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

The Emigrant Road

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 31, 2016

1. The Emigrant Road Marker

Inscription. The Oregon Trail passed over the ridge to the east of Devil's Gate. Good grass, water and the shelter of the hills made this a popular campsite.

Explorer Brevet-Captain John C. Fremont, 1842:
"In about three miles, we reached the entrance of the canyon when the Sweet Water issues upon the more open valley we had passed over. The usual road passes to the right of this place... Wilderness and disorder were the character of the scenery..."

Oregon emigrant James Mathers stopped here July 8, 1846, and wrote:
"...encamped above the pass of the river, between high rocks. This is the most interesting sight we have met with on our journey."

Later, the Mormon Pioneer Trail and the California and Pony Express Trails came over this same ridge. Some 500,000 emigrants followed the Trail west. Many travelers called it the Emigrant Road.

Erected by U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Oregon Trail series list.

Location. 42° 26.332′ N, 107° 12.956′ W. Marker is near Alcova,

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

Wyoming, in Natrona County. Marker is on State Highway 220 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Tribute to Hardship (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Following the River (about 400 feet away); Sun Ranch (about 700 feet away); Devil's Gate (about 700 feet away); Martin's Cove (about 800 feet away); Tom Sun Ranch (approx. ¼ mile away); The Oregon Trail (approx. ¼ mile away); The Pioneer Women (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alcova.

More about this marker. This marker is located at the Devil's Gate BLM Interpretive Site, approximately 7 miles southwest of Independence Rock.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 31, 2016

2. The Emigrant Road Marker

The Devil's Gate is in the background on the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 370 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.