Near Lander in Fremont County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Willie Rescue Site
Photographed By Tracy Scussel, July 21, 2016
1. Willie Rescue Site Marker
The James G. Willie Handcart Company was rescued on October 21, 1856 by a rescue party sent by Brigham Young. 21 members of the Willie Company perished in this valley due to a severe winter storm and lack of clothing and food. Captain Willie left in search of the rescuers. When he returned with the wagons it is recorded, "cries of joy rent the air." Most of the rescuers and wagons went on to the Martin Handcart Company, which also had become stranded approximately 70 miles east at Martin's Cove. The still weakened Willie Company made its ascent of Rocky Ridge on October 22, 1856. Deep snows, chilling winds, and starvation resulted in a 27 hour journey over 15 miles of the most difficult portion of the trail to Rock Creek where an additional 15 pioneers died. This monument is constructed to the memory of those courageous pioneers of the Willie Handcart Company and the brave men who rescued them. A partial listing of the members of the Willie Handcart Company that died in this valley are as follows: George Curtis 64 Peter Hansen 40 Richard Hardwick 63 James Henderson 55 John James John Knuckles 60 Julius Larsen 3 mo.
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Erected 1992 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Riverton Wyoming Stake.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Mormon Pioneer Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 21, 1856.
Location. 42° 28.256′ N, 108° 24.576′ W. Marker is near Lander, Wyoming, in Fremont County. Marker is on Oregon Trail, on the right when traveling west. This marker is approximately 14 miles as the crow flies southwest of Sweetwater Station. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lander WY 82520, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Rocky Ridge (approx. 1½ miles away); Sixth Crossing (approx. 9.7 miles away); Beaver Rim and the Wind River Range (approx. 10 miles away); Gold Flakes to Yellowcake Historic Mine Trail (approx. 10 miles away).
More about this marker. This marker is approximately 10 miles as the crow flies southwest
Photographed By Tracy Scussel, July 19, 2016
2. Willie Rescue Site Marker
Also see . . . Mormon handcart pioneers - Wikipedia. Motivated to join their fellow Church members in Utah but lacking funds for full ox or horse teams, nearly 3,000 Mormon pioneers from England, Wales, Scotland and Scandinavia made the journey from Iowa or Nebraska to Utah in ten handcart companies. The trek was disastrous for two of the companies, which started their journey dangerously late and were caught by heavy snow and severe temperatures in central Wyoming. Despite a dramatic rescue effort, more than 210 of the 980 pioneers in these two companies died along the way. John Chislett, a survivor, wrote, "Many a father pulled his cart, with his little children on it, until the day preceding his death." (Submitted on August 9, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed By N/a
3. The Rescue of the Williey(sic) Handcart Company
Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,279 times since then and 414 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 9, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
