Near Big Piney in Sublette County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)

"Hear Was Hundreds of Emigrants"

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 2, 2016

1. "Hear Was Hundreds of Emigrants" Marker

Captions: (left) Emigrant Era River Channel: Since emigrant times, the New Fork River has changed course, cutting the era island in half and leaving mostly dry channels around the island seen here today.; (right) Emigrant Era Island. (R)eached East Green River (New Fork) which took us until 9 oclock at night hear (sic) was hundreds of Emigrants camped and making preparations for crossing - James McClung, New Fork River, July 19, 1862.

Inscription. If you were here in the late 1860's, this quiet setting would be alive with noises from livestock, people, wagons, and water. As you continue along the trail, imagine sights and sounds of busy emigrants crossing the river and camping here.

A Day (or Three) on the New Fork River
With half their journey behind them, most emigrants came to the New Fork River crossing between mid-June and mid-August. Arriving any earlier or later caused hardships at the start or end of the trip. Most arrive in July.
During this short season, several hundred emigrants crossed and camped here each day. Most stayed only one day. During high water it could take a wagon train party two or three days to make this crossing.

Erected by Sublette County Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 42° 36.84′ N, 109° 51.204′ W. Marker is near Big Piney, Wyoming, in Sublette County. Marker can be reached from Paradise Road near Wyoming 351 (Wyoming Highway 351), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1398 Paradise Road, Big Piney WY 83113, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. 19th Century Interstate Highway (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Building the Lander Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); The First Engines: Oxen, Mules, and Horses (approx. 0.2 miles away); Crossing the New Fork River (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rising to the Challenge of the New Fork River (approx. 0.2 miles away); "We Busy Ourselves in Various Ways" (approx. 0.2 miles away); New Fork River Crossing (approx. 0.4 miles away); Sand Springs - A Stop on the Oregon Trail (approx. 9.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Big Piney.

More about this marker. This marker is located in Lander Trail New Fork River Crossing Historic Park.

Also see . . . Crossing the New Fork River - Wyoming State Historical Society. Even with the treacherous crossing to come, the lush grass, abundant water, and cottonwood trees made the campsite an oasis where tired wagon-train travelers could rest, repair and recoup. They took the opportunity to fish, hunt, pick wild berries, cook, wash clothes, fix wagons and tend to livestock. But not all was paradise. William Smedley, wrote in July 1862 of “mosquitoes so numerous and voracious that comfort for ourselves or cattle was impossible.” (Submitted on August 14, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 2, 2016

2. "Hear Was Hundreds of Emigrants" Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 14, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 315 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 14, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.