Near Wendover in Tooele County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Hastings Cutoff - Barren Mountains
Erected 2000 by Utah Crossroads Chapter - Oregon-California Trails Association. (Marker Number HU-21.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the California Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 21, 1850.
Location. 40° 58.278′ N, 113° 39.996′ W. Marker is near Wendover, Utah, in Tooele County. Marker can be reached from Unnamed Road near Leppy Pass Road, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wendover UT 84083, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 1 other marker is within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Donner-Reed Party (approx. 6.3 miles away).
More about this marker. Okay, let's be honest, I was lost. I made a wrong turn off Leppy Pass Road onto an unnamed road (there was no signpost at the intersection) and it was miles before I realize (admitted) that I didn't know where I was going and turned around. Evidently I was following the old Hastings Cutoff. I could have listened to the Donner Party -- "Never take no cutoffs"
Also see . . . Hastings Cutoff: The Great Salt Lake Desert. Later, others seeking gold in California and a quick, shorter way traveled Hastings road which really was not shorter and was much more difficult because of the long hard dry drive without water and without feed for the animals. The cutoff was abandoned after 1850 because of the hardships suffered during the crossing by the 49ers. (Submitted on July 9, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Additional keywords. Hastings Cutoff
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 281 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 9, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.