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“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Oregon Trail Historical Markers

The Oregon Trail was the only practical corridor to reach the entire western United States from 1836 – 1869. Over half a million people went west during the Oregon Trail’s “glory years.”
 
Oregon Trail Marker image, Touch for more information
By Barry Swackhamer, December 1, 2014
Oregon Trail Marker
1 Colorado, Sedgwick County, Julesburg — Oregon Trail
On West 1st Street (Route 138/385) near Cedar Street, on the right when traveling east.
South of river Old Julesberg Stage and Pony Express Station, 5 mi. S.W. Trail and station marked 1931 Map (db m79879) HM
2 Idaho, Ada County, Boise — "Our Road Was Very Steep…"
Near East Lake Forest Drive near South Kelton Place, on the right when traveling west.
"… we found a gap in the bluffs of Boise valley, where we turned down and succeeded in reaching the valley in safety, although our road was very steep and stony, and long…" -- P.V. Crawford, 1851
P.V. Crawford . . . Map (db m125856) HM
3 Idaho, Ada County, Boise — 359 — Beaver Dick's Ferry
On Warm Springs Avenue (at milepost 7), 0.1 miles Highland Valley Road, on the left when traveling north.
In 1863 and 1864, overland packers hauling supplies from Salt Lake City to Idaho City crossed here and took a direct route northward to More's Creek. They cut a steep grade from the Oregon Trail down to Beaver Dick's Ferry, which served a . . . Map (db m22641) HM
4 Idaho, Ada County, Boise — Bonneville PointThe Oregon Trail
On State Highway 21 at East Lake Forest Drive, on the right when traveling east on State Highway 21.
From the high ridge above the Boise River 5 miles southwest of here, westward-bound travelers got their first view of the Boise Valley. In 1811, Wilson Price Hunt and the Overland Astorians' party were the first white sojourners to enjoy the scene. . . . Map (db m119002) HM
5 Idaho, Ada County, Boise — Ezra MeekerThe Oregon Trail
On State Highway 21 at East Lake Forest Drive, on the right when traveling east on State Highway 21.
In 1906, at the age of seventy-five, Ezra Meeker began a journey east from his home in Puyallup, Washington, to retrace the route of the Oregon Trail over which he originally traveled in 1852 with his wife and young son. He traveled the route with . . . Map (db m118993) HM
6 Idaho, Ada County, Boise — Idaho's Emigrant TrailsThe Oregon Trail
On State Highway 21 at East Lake Forest Drive, on the right when traveling east on State Highway 21.
Westward-bound emigrants entered Idaho after crossing Thomas Fork Valley. They soon encountered the climb and descent of Big Hill, witnessed nature's curiosities at Soda Springs, and discovered willing traders at Fort Hall. In 1843 wagons . . . Map (db m118992) HM
7 Idaho, Ada County, Boise — Kelton RoadThe Oregon Trail
On U.S. 21 at East Lake Forest Drive, on the right when traveling north on U.S. 21.
After the transcontinental railroad was completed on May 10, 1869, new stage and freight routes were established to connect southwester Idaho with newly established railheads. Kelton, Utah, soon became the main shipping point for Boise, when John . . . Map (db m118996) HM
8 Idaho, Ada County, Boise — Old Oregon Trail
Near East Lake Forest Drive near Orchid Way, on the right when traveling west.
Along this historic trail, from 1841 to 1861, traveled the greatest land migration in history. Nearly half a million pioneers came to settle America's Northwest. One out of every eight would perish along the way.Map (db m125859) HM
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9 Idaho, Ada County, Boise — Old Oregon Trail - West Boise
Near North Eagle Road (State Highway 55) at U.S. 26, on the left when traveling north.
Between 1843 and 1869 over 300,000 emigrants fulfilled Americas's Manifest Destiny by voluntarily relocating to Oregon and California. Their nearly 2,000 mile journey along game trails long used by the early Native Americans would become known as . . . Map (db m119239) HM
10 Idaho, Ada County, Boise — 375 — Oregon Trail
On Interstate 84, 1 mile north of Black's Creek Road, on the right when traveling south.
Indians, trappers, and emigrants who came this way before 1900 used a more direct route to get between Boise and Glenns Ferry. Their road still can be seen at Bonneville Point 5 miles from here. Following close to a line of hills bordering a . . . Map (db m22181) HM
11 Idaho, Ada County, Boise — Oregon Trail Monument
On West Jefferson Street at North 6th Street, on the right when traveling west on West Jefferson Street.
Placed here by Ezra Meeker on May 9, 1906 Pioneer • Preservationist • Visionary Ezra Meeker was largely responsible for locating and preserving the Old Oregon Trail. To commemorate the centennial of this monument, a time capsule of . . . Map (db m128544) HM
12 Idaho, Ada County, Boise — 10 — Site 10 ★ Blacks Creek Road Crossing
On Black Creek Road near Songbird Lane, on the left when traveling west.
Wednesday September 15th "Today we traveled up a long hill some 4 miles. Road good, ascent very gradual. When we arrived at the top we got a grand view of the Boise River Valley. It is all filled or covered with dry grass and a few trees . . . Map (db m125787) HM
13 Idaho, Ada County, Boise — 151 — The Oregon Trail
On Warm Springs Avenue (at milepost 7), 0.1 miles south of Highland Valley Road, on the left when traveling north.
The Oregon Trail is still clearly visible coming off the rimrock across the river. Here the west bound emigrants after 1840 came gratefully down into this green valley. The first cart passed here with Spalding and Whitman, pioneer missionaries, . . . Map (db m22639) HM
14 Idaho, Ada County, Boise — Wheels of Change
Near East Lake Forest Drive near Orchid Way, on the left when traveling west.
"When we first came in sight of Boise City and valley we were upon a hill seven miles distant." -- Julius Caesar Merrill, 1864 Creaking, groaning wheels, the dust so thick that the hunch-back oxen ahead looked more like tawny . . . Map (db m125861) HM
15 Idaho, Ada County, Boise — Whitman Overlook
Near East Lake Forest Drive near Orchid Way, on the right when traveling east.
(Three Panels are found at this overlook:) "The River Boise..." "Descending some steep hills we came down on the river 'Boisee,' which deserved its appellation from the dense fringes of cottonwood and willow trees that . . . Map (db m125862) HM
16 Idaho, Bannock County, Lava Hot Springs — 406 — Lava Hot Springs
Near Main Street near unnamed Road, on the right when traveling west.
Centuries ago the Bannock-Shoshone Indian tribes set aside these natural hot mineral springs as neutral ground for all tribes. Trapper Joseph Miller and party camped here in 1812. By 1863, it was a favorite stop for Oregon Trail travelers. Most . . . Map (db m140285) HM
17 Idaho, Bear Lake County, Bloomington — 319 — British SettlersBear Lake — LDS Church —
On National Park Highway/Oregon Trail (U.S. 89), on the right when traveling south.
Most early Bear Lake settlers came from Britain. One was the first woman convert to the LDS church in Europe. Born in Preston, England, Aug. 24, 1806. Ann Elizabeth Walmsley Palmer was baptized July 30, 1837. An invalid, she was carried into the . . . Map (db m99318) HM
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18 Idaho, Bear Lake County, Montpelier — Big Hill
On U.S. 30 at milepost 441.7 near Hunters Lane, on the right when traveling west.
"... the greatest impediment on the whole route from the United States to Fort Hall." - Theodore Talbot, 1843 Near the Wyoming/Idaho border the pioneers face Big Hill, on of the most challenging obstacles of their journey. The dusty . . . Map (db m90854) HM
19 Idaho, Bear Lake County, Montpelier — 335 — Big Hill
On U.S. 30 at milepost 441.7 near Hunters Lane, on the right when traveling west.
On their way west to Oregon and California, emigrant wagons often crossed high ridges in order to avoid gullies and canyons. When he came here in 1843, Theodore Talbot noted that he "had to cross a very high hill, which is said to be the . . . Map (db m90807) HM
20 Idaho, Bear Lake County, Montpelier — Big Hill...
On U.S. 30 at milepost 441.7 near Hunters Lane, on the right when traveling west.
"the steepest and longest ascent we have made on the route..." - James Wilkins Looking east across the fields is Big Hill, one of the most difficult obstacles along the 2,000-mile Oregon/California Trail. The trail crosses the Thomas . . . Map (db m90851) HM
21 Idaho, Bear Lake County, Montpelier — Hot, Cold, Dry, Wet, Dusty, 2,000-Mile Trail
On U.S. 30 at milepost 441.7 near Hunters Lane, on the right when traveling west.
Beginning in Independence, Missouri, the Oregon/California Trail passes through present-day Missouri, Kansas, Wyoming, and Idaho. it ends in Oregon, California or Utah - depending on the destination of the pioneers. While the . . . Map (db m90876) HM
22 Idaho, Bear Lake County, Montpelier — Idaho's Emigrant Trails
On U.S. 30 at milepost 441.7, on the right when traveling west.
Westward-bound emigrants entered Idaho after crossing Thomas Fork Valley. They soon encountered the climb and descent of Big Hill, witnessed nature's curiosities at Soda Springs, and discovered willing traders at Fort Hall. In 1843 wagons first . . . Map (db m90852) HM
23 Idaho, Bear Lake County, Montpelier — 456 — McAuley's Road
On U.S. 30 at milepost 441.7 near Hunters Lane, on the right when traveling west.
Coming west with Ezra Meeker in 1852, Thomas McAuley decided to build a road to let emigrants bypass Big Hill. Worst of all Oregon Trail descents, Big Hill needed replacement. Eliza McAuley reported that her brother Tom "fished awhile, . . . Map (db m90808) HM
24 Idaho, Bear Lake County, Montpelier — One Continual Stream
On U.S. 30 at milepost 441.7 near Hunters Lane, on the right when traveling west.
"One continual stream of honest looking open harted people going west" - James Cayman, mountain man, captured this sentiment in his diary as he watched pioneers heading west in 1846. Between 1841 and 1869 nearly 300,000 farmers, . . . Map (db m90853) HM
25 Idaho, Bear Lake County, Montpelier — 159 — Smith's Trading Post
On U.S. 30 at milepost 440.1 near Bench Road, on the left when traveling west.
In 1848, Pegleg Smith established a trading post on the Oregon Trail at Big Timber somewhere near here on the river. Some travelers called it "Fort Smith", though it had only four log cabins and some Indian lodges. Packing a plow and tools . . . Map (db m90805) HM
26 Idaho, Bear Lake County, Montpelier — The McAuley Cutoff
On U.S. 30 at milepost 441.7 near Hunters Lane, on the right when traveling west.
On April 7, 1852, seventeen-year-old Eliza Ann McAuley, with her older brother Thomas and sister Margaret, left Mount Pleasant, Iowa, to travel overland to California. For a time they were accompanied by the "Eddyville Company," led by William Buck . . . Map (db m90850) HM
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27 Idaho, Bear Lake County, Montpelier — 157 — Thomas Fork
On U.S. 30 at milepost 454.5 near Walter Lane, on the right when traveling west.
A bad ford gave trouble to wagon trains crossing this stream on the trail to California and Oregon in 1849. In that year, gold-seeking 49'ers developed a shortcut that crossed here. Then emigrants built two bridges here in 1850. But an . . . Map (db m90804) HM
28 Idaho, Blaine County, Bellevue — Timmerman Junction Oregon Trail Kiosk
Near U.S. 20 at State Highway 75, on the left when traveling west.
(Five panels in the kiosk deal with the history of Goodale's Cutoff and the surrounding area) Idaho's Emigrant Trails Westward-bound emigrants entered Idaho after crossing Thomas Fork Valley. They soon encountered the climb . . . Map (db m110138) HM
29 Idaho, Blaine County, Carey — 305 — Goodale's Cutoff
On U.S. 20/26, on the right when traveling west.
An old emigrant road headed west across Camas Prairie and then descended to the valley below on its way to rejoin the Oregon Trail 28 miles west of here. This route, discovered by Donald Mackenzie's fur trade party in 1820, came into use for . . . Map (db m125602) HM
30 Idaho, Canyon County, Caldwell — 455 — Emigrant Crossing
On U.S. 30, 0 miles east of West Plymouth Road, on the right when traveling east.
After reaching Boise River, emigrant wagons had to travel 30 miles to find a good crossing about 1/4 mile north of here. They had to avoid a wide zone of shifting channels, so they descended Canyon Hill where the route is still visible. In . . . Map (db m22326) HM
31 Idaho, Canyon County, Middleton — 75 — The Ward Massacre
On Lincoln Road, 0.2 miles east of Middleton Road, on the left when traveling east.
Only 2 young boys survived the Indian attack on Alexander Ward's 20 member party, Oregon bound on August 20, 1854. Military retaliation for the slaughter so enraged the Indians that Hudson's Bay Co. posts Fort Boise and Fort Hall had to be . . . Map (db m22328) HM
32 Idaho, Canyon County, Parma — 85 — Old Fort Boise
On Parma Road, 0 miles west of Parma Rd., on the left when traveling north.
An important Hudson's Bay Company fur trade post was established in 1834 four miles west of here on the bank of the Snake River. Fur trading declined, but this British post became famous for its hospitality to American travellers on the Oregon . . . Map (db m21992) HM
33 Idaho, Canyon County, Parma — Old Oregon Trail1844 - 65
On East Grove Road at Parma Road, on the left when traveling east on East Grove Road.
Map (db m141312) HM
34 Idaho, Caribou County, Bancroft — 161 — Hudspeth's Cutoff
On U.S. 30 at milepost 376.2 near Lundgren Canyon Road, on the left when traveling west.
In the summer of 1849, the California Gold Rush was diverted this way in search of a more direct route to the mines. Stampeding 49'ers would try anything to save miles and time in their rush for California's gold: the regular Oregon and . . . Map (db m106774) HM
35 Idaho, Caribou County, Bancroft — 348 — Ivins Pioneer Cemetery
On Rigby Road near Invins Road, on the right when traveling north.
This area, known as Ten Mile Sterrett and Ivins, was opened for homesteading in 1880. Emigrants from Utah and Iceland transformed sagebrush lands to productive livestock farms. They befriended the roaming Indians and Oregon Trail travelers. Jared . . . Map (db m140294) HM
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36 Idaho, Caribou County, Bancroft — 324 — Oregon Trail Campsite
On Chesterfield Road near 24 Mile Road.
After the arrival of the first settlers of Chesterfield in 1875, covered wagon trains continued to use the Old Oregon Traill of 1846 which passed this point. Tired discouraged and ill, travelers arrived here from early spring to late autumn. Local . . . Map (db m124580) HM
37 Idaho, Caribou County, Grace — California dreaming in 1841
On State Highway 34 near U.S. 30, on the right when traveling south.
The Bidwell-Bartleson Party In 1841, John Bidwell and John Bartleson became the first Americans emigrants to undertake a wagon crossing from Missouri to California. Although Oregon was the primary destination of early westward-bound . . . Map (db m140278) HM
38 Idaho, Caribou County, Grace — Lava Flows and Wagon Trains
On State Highway 34 near U.S. 30, on the right when traveling south.
Geological processes created the complex landscape of southeastern Idaho and eventually determined the routes covered wagons would take along the Oregon Trail. In their journals, trail emigrants often wrote something about the two volcanic cinder . . . Map (db m140253) HM
39 Idaho, Caribou County, Soda Springs — Fort Hall
On Soda Point Power Plant Road near Reservoir Road, on the right when traveling south.
For over two decades (1834-1856), fur trappers and Oregon Trail wagon trains passed by the doors of this adobe fort. Nathaniel Wyeth, an ambitious Bostonian, built the post in 1834 but soon sold his holdings to the Hudson's Bay Company, whose staff . . . Map (db m106849) HM
40 Idaho, Caribou County, Soda Springs — Guiding Landmark...Sheep Rock
On Soda Point Power Plant Road near Reservoir Road, on the right when traveling south.
Towering 1200 feet above the waters of Bear River is Sheep Rock, a prominent landmark described in emigrant diaries and journals as they traveled west on the Oregon and California trails. Trapper and mountain men, in the early 1830s, indicate that a . . . Map (db m106737) HM
41 Idaho, Caribou County, Soda Springs — Hudspeth Cutoff
On Soda Point Power Plant Road near Reservoir Road, on the right when traveling south.
Native Americans traveled and camped in the Soda Springs area for centuries before emigrants traveled the Oregon Trail. Sheep Rock (Soda Point) marked the junction of the main route of the Oregon-California Trail and the Hudspeth Cutoff and was . . . Map (db m106850) HM
42 Idaho, Caribou County, Soda Springs — Idaho's Emigrant Trails
On Soda Point Power Plant Road near Reservoir Road, on the right when traveling south.
Westward-bound emigrants entered Idaho after crossing Thomas Fork Valley. They soon encountered the climb and decent of Big Hill, witnessed nature's curiosities at Soda Springs, and discovered willing traders at Fort Hall. In 1843 wagons first . . . Map (db m106845) HM
43 Idaho, Caribou County, Soda Springs — 219 — John Bidwell
On Soda Point Power Plant Road near Reservoir Road, on the right when traveling south.
In 1840, John Bidwell began to assemble emigrants from Missouri to open a road to California; and a year later, he set out with a party of 69 Pacific Coast pioneers. When they reached here, August 12, 1841, half of this group decided to go . . . Map (db m106729) HM
44 Idaho, Caribou County, Soda Springs — Sheep Rock Geology
On Soda Point Power Plant Road near Reservoir Road, on the right when traveling south.
Lava eruptions west of Sheep Rock at least 140,000 years ago blocked the Bear River from draining into the Snake River system. Instead, the Bear was forced to drain into what was then Lakes Thatcher and Bonneville to the south. The Bear River's . . . Map (db m106847) HM
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45 Idaho, Caribou County, Soda Springs — The Value Of A ShortcutHudspeth's Cutofff
On Soda Point Power Plant Road near Reservoir Road, on the right when traveling south.
When they left the main trail leading to Fort Hall, emigrants heading to California thought that Hudspeth's Cutoff would save them considerable time and miles in the race to the gold fields. To their surprise, they were still in Idaho's Raft River . . . Map (db m106772) HM
46 Idaho, Caribou County, Soda Springs — Trails, Rails and Highways
On Soda Point Power Plant Road near Reservoir Road, on the right when traveling south.
This is an east-west travel corridor of the earliest emigrant trails that continued even after the arrival of railroads and highways. Early explorers, such as John Fremont, Jedediah Smith, Osborne Russell, and missionary Narcissi Whitman were among . . . Map (db m106846) HM
47 Idaho, Caribou County, Soda Springs — William Henry Harrison
On Soda Point Power Plant Road near Reservoir Road, on the right when traveling south.
Oregon Trail Memorial Erected 1931 Restored 1978 Caribou County 4H Builders Club In honor of William Henry Harrison of Massachusetts who lost his life on the Oregon Trail about 1850. Erected by his niece Mrs. Alura F. . . . Map (db m106732) HM
48 Idaho, Elmore County, Glenns Ferry — "A Most Dangerous Crossing"
Near Solobal Road near Rosevear Gulch Road.
"...we rode as much as half mile in crossing and against the current too, which made it hard for the horses, the water being up to their sides. Husband had considerable difficultly in crossing the cart. Both cart and mules were turned upside . . . Map (db m125673) HM
49 Idaho, Elmore County, Glenns Ferry — Motor Homes Without Motors
On Three Island State Park near West Madison Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Contrary to popular belief, the emigrant wagon was not the large heavy Conestoga that is represented by the Idaho Bicentennial Wagon. Instead, many people used wagons from their farms or purchased smaller, lighter wagons at the start of their . . . Map (db m125727) HM
50 Idaho, Elmore County, Glenns Ferry — 198 — Oregon Trail
On South Commerical Street at W. Madison Avenue, on the left when traveling south on South Commerical Street.
A perilous ford at Three Island State Park was a formidable Oregon Trail barrier. Those who could not cross here faced a longer, more difficult southern route. No other ford between Missouri and Oregon troubled them so much. This was their largest . . . Map (db m31677) HM
51 Idaho, Elmore County, Glenns Ferry — Over 500 Miles Step-by-StepThe Oregon Trail in Idaho
Near Solobal Road near Rosevear Gulch Road.
Stretching from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon City, the two thousand mile Oregon Trail lured over 300,000 pioneers on a long six month journey. When pioneers entered present-day Idaho, many had traveled more than one thousand miles of hot, dusty . . . Map (db m125674) HM
52 Idaho, Elmore County, Glenns Ferry — 1 — Site 1 ★ Two Island CrossingMain Oregon Trail Back County Byway
On West Madison Avenue near South Owyhee Street, on the left when traveling west.
Thursday July 24 "Traveled 13 miles struck the river 2 miles above the ford. Here we found a company ferrying in wagon beds we unloaded two our best wagon beds and commenced calking them got them finished and ferried their loads that . . . Map (db m125677) HM
53 Idaho, Elmore County, Glenns Ferry — 2 — Site 2 ★ Old Oregon Trail Road CrossingMain Oregon Trail Back County Byway
On Old Oregon Trail Road near Bennett Road, on the right when traveling west.
Thursday August 14 "...We had a squally time ascending the bluffs, which are severaly hundred feet high. We passed from a hill to the side of a bluff, upon a high narrow ridge of just sufficient width upon the top for the wagon road, the . . . Map (db m125733) HM
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54 Idaho, Elmore County, Glenns Ferry — 3 — Site 3 ★ Hot Springs CreekMain Oregon Trail Back County Byway
On Hot Springs Road at Teapot Road/Ross Road, on the right when traveling west on Hot Springs Road.
Sunday July 27 "Traveled 15 miles 5 miles brought us to a marshy hollow (Hot Springs Creek) which wound to right of the direction were traveling. Traveled in this marsh 3 miles then drove out leaving this marsh to our right..." -- Susan . . . Map (db m125751) HM
55 Idaho, Elmore County, Glenns Ferry — The Oregon Trail
On Three Island State Park near West Madison Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Directly in front of you, the Oregon Trail descends the steep bluff to the Snake River. The trail lies parallel to and directly above the major road scar that is easily seen. On sunny days, the trail is visible to the keen eye. While the . . . Map (db m125725) HM
56 Idaho, Elmore County, Glenns Ferry — The Three Island Ford
On Three Island State Park near West Madison Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Located on an old Indian and fur trade route, the Three Island Ford presented a difficult challenge to the emigrants. Those who dared attempted this crossing using the southern two islands and connecting sand bars to cross the river. Those who were . . . Map (db m125726) HM
57 Idaho, Elmore County, Glenns Ferry — To All Pioneers
On Park Road, 0.4 miles south of West Madison Avenue.
To all pioneers who crossed over Three Island Crossing and helped to win the west. Erected 1931 by Troop One Boy Scouts of America Roslyn, New York Scoutmaster E.K. Pietsch Reproduced 1990 Map (db m31679) HM
58 Idaho, Elmore County, Mountain Home — 353 — Castle Rock
On Sun Valley Highway (U.S. 20 at milepost 124) near North Cat Creek Road, on the right when traveling west.
Up toward Camas Prairie, a road goes by Castle Rock and other eroded granite outcrops that were landmarks on Goodale's Cutoff, an Oregon Trail route that came this way. Emigrants generally had not seen large granite rock formations of this . . . Map (db m110143) HM
59 Idaho, Elmore County, Mountain Home — 305 — Goodale's Cutoff
On Sun Valley Highway (U.S. 20 at milepost 124) near North Cat Creek Road, on the right when traveling west.
An old emigrant road headed west across Camas Prairie and then descended to the valley below on its way to rejoin the Oregon Trail 28 miles west of here. This route, discovered by Donald Mackenzie's fur trade party in 1820, came into use for . . . Map (db m125603) HM
60 Idaho, Elmore County, Mountain Home — Oregon Trail 1864Site of Old Mountain Home Station
On U.S. 20 near Northeast Teapot Road, on the right when traveling south.
Map (db m125753) HM
61 Idaho, Elmore County, Mountain Home — 4 — Site 4 ★ Hot SpringsMain Oregon Trail Back County Byway
On Northeast Teapot Road near Worth Lee Road, on the right when traveling west.
Saturday August 16 "...we passed a hot springs near the foot of the same range, the water of which was nearly at a boiling temperature, so that one could not hold is finger in it, and a dog careless stepping across it put one foot in and ran . . . Map (db m125752) HM
62 Idaho, Elmore County, Mountain Home — 5 — Site 5 ★ Rattlesnake CreekMain Oregon Trail Back County Byway
On U.S. 20 near Industrial Way.
Friday September 10th "...Traveled along the foot of the mountain about 5 miles to another creek and stopped for the night. Plenty of dry bunchgrass. No timber, but willows and sage. Found eight graves here. Made fifteen miles." Parthenia . . . Map (db m125754) HM
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63 Idaho, Elmore County, Mountain Home — 6 — Site 6 ★ Kelton RoadMain Oregon Trail Back County Byway
On Immigrant Road at Canyon Creek Road, on the right when traveling west on Immigrant Road.
August the 13th "...the road to day way level but very rocky A long chain of mountains on our right and we travel close to them to day..." -- Absolom B. Harden, 1847 After the transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869, . . . Map (db m125755) HM
64 Idaho, Elmore County, Mountain Home — 7 — Site 7 ★ Canyon CreekMain Oregon Trail Back County Byway
On Canyon Creek/Mayfield Road near Memory Lane, on the right when traveling west.
August 4th "This day we traveled nineteen miles over tolerably rough road ... After watering, we traveled eight and a half miles, which brought us to a barrel creek (Canyon Creek). Here we found a small creek running through a barrel-shaped . . . Map (db m125756) HM
65 Idaho, Elmore County, Mountain Home — Site 8 ★ Ditto Creek
On Mayfield Road near East Rumsley Lane, on the right when traveling west.
Monday October 9th "This evening yellowish granite appeared in needle form fragments and masses. Country mountainous, good grass, water in the creek on which we are camped partially dried up. We struck a large and much travelled Banak trail . . . Map (db m125785) HM
66 Idaho, Elmore County, Mountain Home — Site 9 ★ Bowns Creek
On Mayfield Road near Bowns Creek Road, on the right when traveling west.
August 5th "This morning our road was very hilly for three miles. Here we found water and grass plenty, and brush for fire wood. Having had no water since we left Barrel creek we halted here for a rest. We halted here till 1 o'clock in the . . . Map (db m125786) HM
67 Idaho, Franklin County, Preston — BB ID-4 — Bidwell/Bartleson Trail - Small Brook
On U.S. 91 near West 5000 North, on the right when traveling north.
First Overland Emigrant Party "Left the river on account of the hills which obstructed our way on it, ... Road uncommonly broken, did not reach the river, distance about 4 miles" -- John Bidwell, Saturday, August 14, 1841 "We traveled about . . . Map (db m105832) HM
68 Idaho, Gooding County, Hagerman — The Great Westward Migration
On Bell Rapids Road near Upper Salmon Falls Road, on the left when traveling west.
Never in history had so many moved voluntarily over such a distance. Look at the wagon wheel ruts in front of you. During the Great Western Migration more than 400,000 people packed up their goods and dreams and headed out over wagon roads like . . . Map (db m139608) HM
69 Idaho, Owyhee County, Homedale — Oregon Trail1842-1863
On East Idaho Avenue (State Highway 19) near South 2nd Street East, on the left when traveling west.
[Title is text]Map (db m106938) HM
70 Idaho, Payette County, Fruitland — 263 — Snake River
On Interstate 84 at milepost 1,, 1.9 miles north of U.S. 95, on the right when traveling east.
The valley of the Snake, historic passage from the Midwest to the Northwest, has been a primary route for travel since the days of Indians and fur traders. The Oregon Trail forded the river at Old Fort Boise, the Hudson's Bay Company 12 miles . . . Map (db m23195) HM
71 Idaho, Power County, American Falls — Coldwater Hill Rest Area Oregon Trail KioskThe Oregon Trail
On Interstate 86 at milepost 18 near Cold Water Road, on the right when traveling east.
(There are five historical panels in this kiosk:) Idaho's Emigrant Trail Westward-bound emigrants entered Idaho after crossing Thomas Fork Valley. They soon encountered the climb and descent of Big Hill, witnessed nature's . . . Map (db m124029) HM
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72 Idaho, Power County, American Falls — Massacre Rock - A Clashing of Cultures
Near Park Lane near Register Road, on the left when traveling west.
These reported incidents of Shoshone Indian attacks on emigrant wagon trains in this gap and surrounding area between 1851 and August 10, 1862, led to the naming of these rock outcrop as "Massacre Rocks." The granite marker was dedicated by the . . . Map (db m124160) HM
73 Idaho, Power County, American Falls — Massacre Rocks on Old Oregon Trail
Near Park Lane near Register Road, on the left when traveling west.
In this defile on August 10, 1862 a band of Shoshone Indians ambushed an Immigrant Train bound for Oregon killing nine white men and wounding six.Map (db m124159) HM
74 Idaho, Power County, American Falls — Oregon Trail1842 - 1883
On Harrison Street near Bannock Avenue, on the left when traveling east.
Map (db m124076) HM
75 Idaho, Power County, American Falls — Oregon Trail
On Falls Avenue at Valdez Street on Falls Avenue.
Oregon Trail 1842 - 1883Map (db m124140) HM
76 Idaho, Power County, American Falls — 338 — Oregon Trail
On Interstate 86 at milepost 30 near Register Road, on the right when traveling west.
Immediately west of here you will cross a small canyon that Oregon Trail emigrants regarded as their most dangerous exposure to Indians. After 1854, they had good reason to be alarmed. Wagon traffic has ruined important traditional Indian . . . Map (db m124148) HM
77 Idaho, Power County, American Falls — Register Rock
Near Register Road near Cutoff Road (Deeg Road), on the left when traveling west.
After their meals were cooked and their livestock grazed, early pioneers took time to record their presence on this and other rocks in the area. The land around Register Rock was a common camping area along the Oregon and California trails. It has . . . Map (db m124166) HM
78 Idaho, Power County, American Falls — Snake River Rest Area Oregon Trail KioskThe Oregon Trail
Near U.S. 86 at milepost 30 near Rock Creek Road, on the right when traveling west.
(There are five historical panels in this kiosk:) Idaho's Emigrant Trails Westward-bound emigrants entered Idaho after crossing Thomas Fork Valley. They soon encountered the climb and descent of Big Hill, witnessed . . . Map (db m124037) HM
79 Idaho, Twin Falls County, Hagerman — 206 — Payne's Ferry
On U.S. 30 at milepost 190,, 0.6 miles N 1000 E, on the right.
A scow powered by oarsmen let Oregon Trail wagons cross Snake River here from 1852 to 1870. Then Overland Stage service from Boise to a rail terminal in Kelton, Utah was moved to this crossing, and M.E. Payne installed a large (14 by 60 foot) new . . . Map (db m31653) HM
80 Idaho, Twin Falls County, Hagerman — 204 — Salmon Falls
On U.S. 30 at milepost 187,, 0.1 miles Chisholm Drive, on the left when traveling north.
In 1812, Joseph Miller found 100 lodges of Indians spearing thousands of salmon each afternoon at a cascade below here. Each summer they dried a year's supply. After 1842, they also traded salmon to Oregon Trail emigrants. John C. Fremont marveled . . . Map (db m31597) HM
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81 Idaho, Twin Falls County, Hansen — 342 — Rock Creek Station
On U.S. 30 at milepost 227,, 0 miles east of Rock Creek Road, on the left when traveling east.
An 1864 overland stage station at Rock Creek, 5 miles south and a mile west of here, offered a desert oasis for 40 years before irrigated farming transformed this area. James Bascom's 1865 store and Herman Stricker's 1900 mansion have been . . . Map (db m31521) HM
82 Idaho, Washington County, Cambridge — 185 — Brownlee Ferry
On State Highway 71 at milepost 2,, 10 miles west of Camp Creek Road, on the left when traveling north.
Guiding Oregon Trail emigrants and a party of prospectors who had discovered gold in Boise Basin, Tim Goodale opened a new miners' trail through here in August 1862. A gold rush followed that fall, and John Brownlee operated a ferry here from . . . Map (db m23227) HM
83 Kansas, Douglas County, Kanwaka — Coon PointOregon Trail — 1842 —
On U.S. 40 at E 600 Road (County Route 1029), on the right when traveling west on U.S. 40.
A Camping Ground Lecompton Territorial Capital of Kansas 1855-1861 Three miles northMap (db m50757) HM
84 Kansas, Johnson County, Gardner — A Look Back in TimeThe Santa Fe, Oregon, and California trails once passed this way
Near U.S. 56 at West 183rd Street, on the right when traveling west.
Heavy freight wagons lumbering to and from New Mexico, and emigrant families and gold seekers heading west to Oregon and California all shared this route from Independence and Kansas City. The trails split here at Gardner Junction. Preserving . . . Map (db m131353) HM
85 Kansas, Johnson County, Gardner — A Look Back in TimeThe Oregon and California trails were pathways for the greatest mass migration in American history
Near U.S. 56 at West 183rd Street, on the right when traveling west.
From the late 1820s to the 1870s, an estimated 300,000 fur traders, missionaries, settlers, and gold seekers followed these trails. In the 1840s and 1850s, emigrants from the eastern and central United States walked 2,000 miles from the Missouri . . . Map (db m131376) HM
86 Kansas, Johnson County, Gardner — Apprehension and Conflict
Near U.S. 56 at West 183rd Street, on the right when traveling west.
The Indian Removal Act of 1830 required that many American Indian Tribes in the eastern part of the United States be moved to the Great Plains Region west of the Missouri River — lands identified as the “Permanent Indian Frontier.” . . . Map (db m131313) HM
87 Kansas, Johnson County, Gardner — Eye of the Needle
Near U.S. 56 at West 183rd Street, on the right when traveling west.
"This morning we passed the road to Oregon that leaves, about eight miles from Round Grove, the Santa Fe Road, and turns to the right towards the Kansas. A way post had been put there, marked "Road to Oregon." —Dr. Frederick A. . . . Map (db m131352) HM
88 Kansas, Johnson County, Gardner — Following Their Dreams
Near U.S. 56 at West 183rd Street, on the right when traveling west.
"We took the Oregon road, instead of that to Santa Fe and went twelve miles before we discovered our error. In returning two of our wagons broke down, by which we were detained two days until July 4th. We at last got fairly on the Santa Fe . . . Map (db m131312) HM
89 Kansas, Johnson County, Gardner — From Prairie Schooners to Locomotives
Near U.S. 56 at West 183rd Street, on the right when traveling west.
Travel along the Oregon and California trails increased in the 1840s with the cry of “Westward Ho.” When the 1848 discovery of gold was made at Sutter’s Mill in California, the desire to reach the gold fields ahead of others intensified . . . Map (db m131310) HM
90 Kansas, Johnson County, Gardner — 6 — Overland Trails
On Main Street, 0.1 miles North Oak Street, on the right when traveling west.
Here US-56 lies directly on the route of the Oregon-California and Santa Fe trails. Nearby, the trails branched. On a rough sign pointing northwest were the words, "Road to Oregon." Another marker directed travelers southwest along the road to Santa . . . Map (db m21669) HM
91 Kansas, Johnson County, Olathe — A Most Desirable Spot For Camping
The Lone Elm Campground The land here at Lone Elm met the three requirements for a stopover for travelers on the trail...wood, water, and grass. Wood for campfires and wagon repairs, water for the support of people and animals, and grass for . . . Map (db m34342) HM
92 Kansas, Johnson County, Olathe — Elm Grove Campground
On Old US-Highway 56, 0.1 miles east of West 151st Street, on the right when traveling west.
For over three decades starting in 1827, Elm Grove Campground, one mile east of near the bridge on Cedar Creek, was an important frontier camp site. Thousands of Santa Fe traders, Oregon and California emigrants, missionaries, mountain men, soldiers . . . Map (db m20093) HM
93 Kansas, Johnson County, Olathe — Lone Elm Campground
On Lone Elm Park Drive, on the right when traveling south.
Lone Elm is one of the most historic and important frontier trail camp sites in America and was used as a campground and rendezvous point for all three of our nation's great western roads to the frontier.....the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California . . . Map (db m34334) HM
94 Kansas, Johnson County, Olathe — Lone Elm Park
On Lone Elm Park Drive, on the right when traveling east.
"Travelers came to look upon it as an old friend - they felt an attachment for the tree that had so often sheltered and shaded them from storm and sun..." W.W.H. Davis (1853) Lone Elm Park was purchased by the City of Olathe in 2000 to . . . Map (db m34339) HM
95 Kansas, Johnson County, Olathe — Roads To The West
The Santa Fe Trail The Santa Fe Trail began in 1821 when William Becknell led a small group of men on a trading expedition from frontier Missouri to colonial Santa Fe. Mexico had recently declared its independence from Spain and abolished . . . Map (db m34340) HM
96 Kansas, Johnson County, Olathe — The Travelers
The Travelers For more than four decades, tens of thousands of travelers camped here. The Lone Elm campground was one or two nights out from the frontier "jumping off" points on the Missouri River. The great lone elm tree that gave this . . . Map (db m34355) HM
97 Kansas, Johnson County, Olathe — Trail Campground..To Farm..To Park
In 1857, Newton Ainsworth claimed this land and allowed the trail travelers to continue camping here. A decade later, the railroads began to make their way west and the great overland trails became a part of history. The need for camping at Lone . . . Map (db m34357) HM
98 Kansas, Johnson County, Olathe — Trails Westby Eldon Tefft
On Lone Elm Park Drive, on the left when traveling south.
The oxen and Conestoga wagon sculpture was originally commissioned in 1994 for use at the Kansas Visitors Center at 119th & Strang Line Road. When the Center closed in 2002 the sculpture was awarded to the City of Olathe. The sculpture has been . . . Map (db m34337) HM
99 Kansas, Johnson County, Overland Park — Opening the Floodgates
[Inset] "from 'Sappling Grove' where there is an excellent fountain spring & a very good place to camp.. The road runs a little round on the high ridge." The Santa Fe Trail began in 1821 when William Becknell and a small . . . Map (db m100228) HM
100 Kansas, Johnson County, Overland Park — Santa Fe and Oregon Trails
On 151st Street, on the right when traveling east.
Both the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails crossed here, northeast to southwest, beginning 1821. The trails took separate courses farther west. A route through Kansas Territory was opened north of here in the 1830's after the founding of Westport, Mo. Long . . . Map (db m20213) HM

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Apr. 26, 2024