Near South Pass City in Fremont County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)

Pacific Springs

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2016

1. Pacific Springs Marker

Inscription. For many emigrants, the first tangible evidence that the had crossed South Pass was Pacific Springs, "the fountain source of the Pacific streams," according to pioneer Joseph Goldsborough Bruff. The broad expanse of the pass from Pacific Springs were proof that the journey to the Pacific coast was geographically half over. But the event was only a slight consolation, the road ahead was still long and hard.
The springs was a major camping spot along the trail, providing good water and grazing. A number of pioneers also died here, most having succumbed to cholera contracted elsewhere along the trail. Several graves are known in the vicinity of Pacific Springs.
In the 1860s, a stagecoach and Pony Express station was located at the springs probably in the area of the Halter and Flick Ranch. Some sources indicate that the station was burned by Indians in 1862. The exact location of the station is unknown.
Pacific Springs became an important source for early livestock operators and they remain so today. The springs lie on private property owned by John Hay. The Hay family has been involved in ranching in southwestern Wyoming for five generations dating to the 1870s.

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

Topics and series. This historical marker

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is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Oregon Trail, and the Pony Express National Historic Trail series lists.

Location. 42° 19.98′ N, 108° 56.76′ W. Marker is near South Pass City, Wyoming, in Fremont County. Marker is on Emigrant Trail near Lander Pinedale Stage Road, on the left when traveling north. 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 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. South Pass (approx. 1.4 miles away); a different marker also named South Pass (approx. 1.4 miles away); The Corridor West (approx. 1.4 miles away); The Fur Trade (approx. 1.4 miles away); The Way West (approx. 1.4 miles away); Twin Mounds (approx. 1.4 miles away); Narcissa Prentiss Whitman (approx. 3.1 miles away); Old Oregon Trail (approx. 3.1 miles away).

More about this marker. The road names are taken from Google Maps. No signs exist to identify the roads. The roads unpaved and are either dirt or gravel. From the

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2016

2. Pacific Springs Marker

The buildings in the distance are from the Halter and Flick Ranch.

South Pass interpretive loop on the south side of Wyoming 28 continue straight ahead, then at the T-interscetion turn left and continue about a mile.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 1, 2016

3. Pacific Springs Marker

The snow covered mountains are the Wind River Range.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 803 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 10, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.