Near Alcova in Natrona County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)

Martin's Cove

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 31, 2016

1. Martin's Cove Marker

Inscription. Survivors of Captain Edward Martin's Handcart Company of Mormon emigrants from England to Utah were rescued here in perishing condition about Nov. 12, 1856. Delayed in starting and hampered by inferior carts it was overtaken by an early winter. Among the company of 576, including aged people and children, the casualties numbered 145, insufficient food and clothing and severe weather caused many deaths. Toward the end every campground became a graveyard. Some of the survivors found shelter in a stockade and mail station near Devil's Gate where their property was stored for the winter. Earlier companies reached Utah in safety.

Erected 1933 by Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association and Citizens of Wyoming. (Marker Number 28.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Religion & Religious Structures • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Mormon Pioneer Trail, and the Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is November 12, 1856.

Location. 42° 26.322′ N, 107° 15.576′ W. Marker is

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

near Alcova, Wyoming, in Natrona County. It is on Oregon Trail Road near Martin Cove Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alcova WY 82620, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Westward Expansion Trails Region

and in Greater Casper.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pronghorns and Sagebrush (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Pioneer Women (approx. 2.1 miles away); The Oregon Trail (approx. 2.1 miles away); Tom Sun Ranch (approx. 2.1 miles away); a different marker also named Martin's Cove (approx. 2.1 miles away); Sun Ranch (approx. 2.1 miles away); Devil's Gate (approx. 2.2 miles away); A Tribute to Hardship (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alcova.

More about this marker. This marker is located approximately 2 mile west of Mormon Handcart Historic Site on

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 31, 2016

2. Martin's Cove Marker

Martin's Cove is located at the base of the bluffs beyond the marker.

Oregon Trail Road.

Martin Handcart Burial by Clark Kelly Price image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Thefurtrapper

3. Martin Handcart Burial by Clark Kelly Price

Each summer thousands of youths re-enact the handcart experience. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mormon channel

4. Each summer thousands of youths re-enact the handcart experience.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,252 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 28, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.