Independence Rock

… Independence Rock Fifty million years ago, the peaks of the Granite Range … ancient peak, creating one of America's great landmarks. Independence Rock and Sweetwater River. Tom Rea photo. The tribes that … mountain man Thomas "Broken Hand" Fitzpatrick named "Rock Independence" that year when he passed by on the Fourth of …

Visiting Independence Rock A Trip to Remember

… Visiting Independence Rock A Trip to Remember By Janet Wragge , Oregon Trail … The best way to record thoughts, ideas and discoveries at Independence Rock (and Devil’s Gate and Martin’s Cove if you … The best way to record thoughts, ideas and discoveries at Independence Rock (and Devil’s Gate and Martin’s Cove if you …

Oregon Trail

… California- and Utah-bound emigrants carved their names on rock. Many of the inscriptions are from the peak years of … a museum are open to the public. Field Trips Fort Caspar Independence Rock Photo Gallery People have been leaving carvings and images on Independence Rock in central Wyoming since prehistoric times. …

Thirteen ways to think about Independence Rock

… Thirteen ways to think about Independence Rock Quiz Yourself Here are some questions to ask before you visit Independence Rock, while you’re there, and again after you … Yourself Here are some questions to ask before you visit Independence Rock, while you’re there, and again after you …

Split Rock

… Split Rock The Sweetwater Valley contains three distinctive granite landmarks: Independence Rock, Devil’s Gate and Split Rock. The last of … Randy. Historic Inscriptions on Western Emigrant Trails . Independence, Mo.: Oregon-California Trails Association, … Valley contains three distinctive granite landmarks: Independence Rock, Devil’s Gate and Split Rock. The last of …

Rock Avenue

… Rock Avenue About nine miles west of Emigrant Gap, the Oregon … Stephens of Winnebago County, Illinois, left his name at Rock Avenue July 5, 1849. A day later, he carved his name at Independence Rock. Richard Collier, Wyoming SHPO. “It is a … and other freakish objects.” More common were the names “Rock Avenue,” “Avenue of Rocks” and “Rock Lane.” The pioneer …

Independence Rock State Historic Site

… Independence Rock State Historic Site Independence Rock is a large granite dome where Indians and pioneers left … Independence Rock is a large granite dome where Indians and pioneers left … information visit http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Independence-Rock-State-Historic-Site/3337 or call (307) …

The Seminoe Cutoff and Sarah Thomas Grave

… and avoid all the river’s fords except the first one—near Independence Rock. There, French-speaking traders with Shoshone families … that there was a company of French traders encamped at Independence Rock, and lots of shanties. They came there … and avoid all the river’s fords except the first one—near Independence Rock. There, French-speaking traders with …

Guinard’s Sweetwater River Post

… bridge and trading post. 1 The post was constructed below  Independence Rock , primarily to capitalize on traffic from the  Utah War … leave Guinard’s later post dangerously exposed. 3 Image Independence Rock and Sweetwater River. Photo by Tom Rea … bridge and trading post. 1 The post was constructed below  Independence Rock , primarily to capitalize on traffic from …

Wait, Where’d That Monument Go?

… the actual Oregon Trail route--was relocated in 1920 to Independence Rock. On hand for the ceremony July 4 were, left to right, … commissioners to move the marker out to the north face of Independence Rock, where it was rededicated along with … commissioners to move the marker out to the north face of Independence Rock, where it was rededicated along with …

Saleratus Lakes

… with Natrona County Road 319 and five miles east of Independence Rock. The site, a joint project of the Pathfinder National … on bird life and other wildlife. Much closer to Independence Rock is Playa Lake, also called Saleratus Lake, … with Natrona County Road 319 and five miles east of Independence Rock. The site, a joint project of the …

Devil’s Gate

… Devil’s Gate A day’s travel west of Independence Rock, emigrants on the Oregon/California/Mormon trail —all … were running a post at Devil’s Gate and another at nearby Independence Rock. Mostly these were French-speaking men with … A day’s travel west of Independence Rock, emigrants on the Oregon/California/Mormon …

Saleratus Lake

… here from Wyoming Highway 220, was one of several near Independence Rock called saleratus lakes by emigrants. Even at relatively … or Playa Lake, seen here looking north from the top of Independence Rock. Wyoming SHPO. Sometimes the saleratus … a half beyond the last of the lakes, the granite heap of Independence Rock rises out of the sagebrush plain. Just by …

Marking the Past: A History of Wyoming’s Historical Markers

… a native boulder to mark South Pass and inscribed into Independence Rock. Meeker’s trek in 1906 took him to the streets of New … of the people at a dedication of a new marker at Independence Rock July 4, 1920 show the mix of public and … a native boulder to mark South Pass and inscribed into Independence Rock. Meeker’s trek in 1906 took him to the …

Frontier humor, emigrant trails, war-horse sales and an oil scandal

… lakes that 1840s Oregon Trail emigrants described near Independence Rock. More serious news stories in later years included the … camping place on the trail from the North Platte to Independence Rock, where the road would meet the Sweetwater. … lakes that 1840s Oregon Trail emigrants described near Independence Rock. More serious news stories in later years …

En Route to the Land of Gold: The Cherokee Trail in Wyoming

… River. He eventually intersected the Oregon Trail between Independence Rock and Devil’s Gate and followed it west to South Pass. In … Creek near Point of Rocks and followed it west to modern Rock Springs (Figure 4). Instead of continuing down Bitter … River. He eventually intersected the Oregon Trail between Independence Rock and Devil’s Gate and followed it west to …

Stand on South Pass: Wallace Stegner, the Wind and the West

… Centennial Summit at Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs, Wyo. Sept. 25, 2009) Stand on South Pass now … rise to where you know the Sweetwater and Devil’s Gate and Independence Rock and the last crossing of the Platte recede … began where the old wagon road to Oregon met the stream at Independence Rock, the great granite turtle lying on the …

Covering Cattle Kate: Newspapers and the Watson-Averell Lynching

… River. This was just a few miles downstream from Independence Rock, also on the east-west route of the old Oregon Trail, … filling up with cattle. The hanging tree, in a gulch near Independence Rock. Tom Rea. ​The cattle business was booming. … River. This was just a few miles downstream from Independence Rock, also on the east-west route of the old …

Trails across Wyoming: The Oregon, Mormon Pioneer and California Routes

… great western migration has become iconic. Wagons passing Independence Rock, Wyoming on the Oregon Trail. William Henry Jackson. The … a youth in 1866, painted this watercolor of wagons passing Independence Rock in 1936. Courtesy William Henry Jackson … a youth in 1866, painted this watercolor of wagons passing Independence Rock in 1936. Courtesy William Henry Jackson …

Three Crossings

… Here, hundreds of emigrants left their names on the rock, as they had earlier at Independence Rock and Devil’s Gate. “Some more recording of little names … left their names on the rock, as they had earlier at Independence Rock and Devil’s Gate. “Some more recording of …

Oil Seeps and Axle Grease: Petroleum Sales on the Emigrant Trails

… now Natrona County, Wyoming, an anticline—an up-fold in rock layers—now called Oil Mountain has a collapsed region at … and later, with his associates, ran a toll bridge at Independence Rock and a trading post at nearby Devil’s Gate, … the seep were less than one mile apart. The distance from Independence Rock to the Oil Mountain seep is 31 miles, and …

Natrona County, Wyoming

… of geological change. Here, water and wind have exposed rock layers, creating a dramatic landscape. Red outcroppings … Distinctive land features include Casper Mountain, Independence Rock, the Red Buttes, Devil’s Gate and Teapot Rock. Much of … Distinctive land features include Casper Mountain, Independence Rock, the Red Buttes, Devil’s Gate and Teapot …

Will Bagley, Utah historian, dies at 71

… Salt Lake Tribune. And find his WyoHistory.org articles on Independence Rock, South Pass and Fort Bridger linked below.  Independence Rock Stand on South Pass: Wallace Stegner, the … Salt Lake Tribune. And find his WyoHistory.org articles on Independence Rock, South Pass and Fort Bridger linked below.  …

Father De Smet in Wyoming

… to distances; sometimes I wished to examine. . .a big rock or odd-looking hill; I started for it expecting to reach … Wyo., on June 14, 1840, the party then traveled past Independence Rock where De Smet inscribed his name, "that of … by the beauty of the terrain. Of Devil's Gate, west of Independence Rock, he wrote that a better name might have …

Celebrate the 44th Star

… 326-8855. And the glorious Fourth is a great time to visit Independence Rock, named for an 1830 trapper blowout there when mountain … directions and learn more at Will Bagley’s history of Independence Rock on WyoHistory.org. WyoHistory.org Thanks … 326-8855. And the glorious Fourth is a great time to visit Independence Rock, named for an 1830 trapper blowout there …

Willow Spring

… camping place on the trail from the North Platte to Independence Rock, where the road would meet the Sweetwater. Clear water … Edward. Journal of Edward Jackson on His Route from Fort Independence to California in 1849 . typewritten … camping place on the trail from the North Platte to Independence Rock, where the road would meet the Sweetwater. …

Before Wyoming Territory: Passage on the Oregon/California/Mormon Trail

… National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, Casper, Wyo. Independence Rock A BLM interpreter will be present at Independence Rock Mondays and Fridays through October 14, … National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, Casper, Wyo. Independence Rock A BLM interpreter will be present at …

Preserving information about long-ago events in Wyoming

… National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, Casper, Wyo. Independence Rock A BLM interpreter will be present at Independence Rock Mondays and Fridays through October 14, … National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, Casper, Wyo. Independence Rock A BLM interpreter will be present at …

A rebel painter

… Loendorf leads the Meeteetse Museums’ tour of Legend Rock Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Tours … National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, Casper, Wyo. Independence Rock A BLM interpreter will be present at Independence Rock Mondays and Fridays through October 14, …

The Wyoming Adventures of Captain Bonneville

… his career. NPS and Wikipedia.  A Lasting Mystery Leaving Independence, Missouri at the end of April with 121 men and … officer described the fort as a “picket work.” A small rock monument and historical marker greet visitors near … a pitched battle between trappers and Blackfeet. Image A rock, above, today marks the spot west of Daniel, Wyoming, …

The Martin’s Cove Controversy

… a large Oregon Trail Memorial Association event at Independence Rock on the Sweetwater, about 55 miles southwest of Casper. … a mostly Mormon crowd of a few hundred gathered again at Independence Rock, and Church President Heber J. Grant … a large Oregon Trail Memorial Association event at Independence Rock on the Sweetwater, about 55 miles southwest …

June 14, 1840

… 1840 Father De Smet, traveling with fur traders, passes Independence Rock and the priest inscribes his name. … Father De Smet, traveling with fur traders, passes Independence Rock and the priest inscribes his name. …

May 30, 1850

… Jewett describes alkali-encrusted Saleratus Lake near Independence Rock: “Here are acres by the hundred of this substance, one … Jewett describes alkali-encrusted Saleratus Lake near Independence Rock: “Here are acres by the hundred of this substance, one …

Fulkerson Grave, Rattlesnake Pass

… Highway 220 to a spot about five miles southwest of the Independence Rock rest area and historic site in southwestern Natrona … Highway 220 to a spot about five miles southwest of the Independence Rock rest area and historic site in southwestern Natrona …

Devil’s Gate Interpretive Site

… on the north side of the highway 5.8 miles southwest of Independence Rock, offers a magnificent view of the Sweetwater Valley and … on the north side of the highway 5.8 miles southwest of Independence Rock, offers a magnificent view of the Sweetwater Valley and …

July 4, 1830

… his way to Wind River with 81 men and 10 wagons, christens Independence Rock "having kept the 4th of July in due style." … his way to Wind River with 81 men and 10 wagons, christens Independence Rock "having kept the 4th of July in due style." …

July 20, 1889

… July 20, 1889 Ella Watson and Jim Averell lynched near Independence Rock and the Sweetwater River. … Ella Watson and Jim Averell lynched near Independence Rock and the Sweetwater River. …

July 6, 1852

… July 6, 1852 Oregon-bound Polly Coon finds crowds camped at Independence Rock, where "Some one had put up a banner the 4th & it still … Oregon-bound Polly Coon finds crowds camped at Independence Rock, where "Some one had put up a banner the 4th & it still …

William Henry Jackson’s Long Career

… see one of his fellow teamsters killed by lightning near Independence Rock. This was the beginning of his long, active career … see one of his fellow teamsters killed by lightning near Independence Rock. This was the beginning of his long, active career … see one of his fellow teamsters killed by lightning near Independence Rock. This was the beginning of his long, active …

An Italian Painter in a Wyoming POW Camp

… a bison skull) as well as identifiable landscapes (Independence Rock, natural geysers). The artists depicted no violence … William Henry Jackson’s painting of a wagon train passing Independence Rock, he stayed close to the original on the … a bison skull) as well as identifiable landscapes (Independence Rock, natural geysers). The artists depicted no …

Register Cliff

… best-known ''registers of the desert.'' The other two are Independence Rock, in central Wyoming, and Names Hill, in western Wyoming. … best-known ''registers of the desert.'' The other two are Independence Rock, in central Wyoming, and Names Hill, in …

Visiting Martin’s Cove

… Spider School west of Casper to Wyoming Highway 220 near Independence Rock. On the way, stop at the BLM Interpretive site at the … Spider School west of Casper to Wyoming Highway 220 near Independence Rock. On the way, stop at the BLM Interpretive site at the …

Reborn in Robes: The Second Klu Klux Klan in Wyoming, 1921-1930

… and soon after in Evanston, Greybull, Green River, Rock Springs, Pinedale, Laramie, Saratoga, Encampment, … the population with strongholds in cities like Cheyenne, Rock Springs, and Casper.  After 1914, Wyoming leaders … its share of this form of promotion and intimidation. On Independence Day in 1923, cross burnings were visible in …

A Drive with Henry Jensen through Historic Central Wyoming

… run for thirty miles across country. What they call Black Rock, which is the exact center of geographical center of … You know Halsey Kortes? Well, Halsey Kortes got into the rock- cutting business and became good friends of J.O. Pratt. … Trail, over the Mormon Trail rather, and they stopped at Independence Rock on the way. That was one of those ancestor …

Crossing Wyoming: Kit Carson and a Changing West

… a German-born cartographer, Charles Preuss. Near Chimney Rock on the North Platte, they met frontiersman Jim Bridger, … their differences and the expedition headed for home. At Independence Rock on the Sweetwater, they inflated and launched an India … their differences and the expedition headed for home. At Independence Rock on the Sweetwater, they inflated and …

William Henry Jackson: Foremost Photographer of the American West

… Trail route, by way of Red Buttes near present Casper; Independence Rock and Devil's Gate; Split Rock; Atlantic City and South Pass City; and the Flaming … Trail route, by way of Red Buttes near present Casper; Independence Rock and Devil's Gate; Split Rock; Atlantic City …

South Pass

… travelers, the push to the South Pass crossing started at Independence Rock, where their slow, steady climb over the Continental … Colleen Sievers of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s Rock Springs office took a Global Positioning System reading … travelers, the push to the South Pass crossing started at Independence Rock, where their slow, steady climb over the …

The Frontier Index: “Press on Wheels” in a Partisan Time

… May 1864 in eastern Kentucky and held at a Union prison on Rock Island in the Mississippi River between Illinois and … of a call from President Lincoln for prisoners at Rock Island to swear allegiance to the North and be sent west … meets “to frame a platform that will insure regenerated Independence of the white race.” In the law enforcement …

An intrepid woman and a historical controversy

… see one of his fellow teamsters killed by lightning near Independence Rock. This was the beginning of his long, active career … see one of his fellow teamsters killed by lightning near Independence Rock. This was the beginning of his long, active career …

Regulating hunting, and a peacekeeper with two families

… National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, Casper, Wyo. Independence Rock A BLM interpreter will be present at Independence Rock Mondays and Fridays through October 14, … National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, Casper, Wyo. Independence Rock A BLM interpreter will be present at …

Emigrant Spring on the Slate Creek Cutoff

… This made us feel much nearer to our destination. At Rock Springs there were hundreds of names and dates carved in … “We camped today noon by a spring where there was some big rock back of the spring covered with peoples names.” A side … Randy. Historic Inscriptions on Western Emigrant Trails. Independence, MO.: The Oregon-California Trails Association, …

Transportation Away from the Railroad

… to follow. August 15, patio talk: At 1 p.m. (inside) Independence Rock Fun Facts with Mike Bardgett. August 21 and 22, 1864 … to follow. August 15, patio talk: At 1 p.m. (inside) Independence Rock Fun Facts with Mike Bardgett. August 21 and 22, 1864 …

Teton climber conflict, tribal hot springs sale

… Well-known trail landmarks like Ash Hollow, Courthouse Rock, Chimney Rock, Independence Rock, Devil’s Gate and others are also featured. … Well-known trail landmarks like Ash Hollow, Courthouse Rock, Chimney Rock, Independence Rock, Devil’s Gate and others are also featured. …

Wyoming’s Named Highways

… activities in an outdoor setting. June 27 ,  Patio Talk, Independence Rock Fun Facts with Mike Bardgett -  1pm  (Inside) July 3 , … activities in an outdoor setting. June 27 ,  Patio Talk, Independence Rock Fun Facts with Mike Bardgett -  1pm  (Inside) July 3 , …

Emigrant Hill and the Grave of Elva Ingram

… he called Battle Creek, John Clark wrote, “High ledge of rock encloses the branch for over a mile with good grass on … the narrow flat.” An emigrant inscription on the ledge of rock over Broom Creek reads, “J.H. Bradley 1852.” From the … R. Elkins. Vol. 3, Emigrant Trail Historical Series. Independence, Mo.: Oregon-California Trails Association, …

Names Hill, Oregon Trail Inscription Site

… me, that I had passed. – It will probably remain on that rock, in that lonely place many years after I am gone.” The … Scott Ebey . Ed. by Susan Badger Doyle and Fred Dykes. Independence, Mo: Oregon-California Trails Association, 1997. … Scott Ebey . Ed. by Susan Badger Doyle and Fred Dykes. Independence, Mo: Oregon-California Trails Association, 1997. …

The Battles of Platte Bridge Station and Red Buttes

… how to operate the cannon) to the Sweetwater Station near Independence Rock, 55 miles to the west. The Ohioans left on the … how to operate the cannon) to the Sweetwater Station near Independence Rock, 55 miles to the west. The Ohioans left on the …

Thomas Jaggar’s 1893 Geological Survey of the Absaroka Mountains

… stopped in Chicago for a few days preceding and including Independence Day, where he visited the World’s Columbian … cone. In one place trail cut with pick-axe through solid rock along vertical wall. Other places talus, very steep. … stopped in Chicago for a few days preceding and including Independence Day, where he visited the World’s Columbian …

Two big steps in Wyoming

… its last trek of the summer  Saturday, Sept. 25 , to Independence Rock and Devil’s Gate.  Come explore the noted landmarks as … its last trek of the summer  Saturday, Sept. 25 , to Independence Rock and Devil’s Gate.  Come explore the noted landmarks as …

Journey to Martin’s Cove: The Mormon Handcart Tragedy of 1856

… the trail left the river headed across country toward Independence Rock and Devil's Gate on the Sweetwater River. That day, a … the trail left the river headed across country toward Independence Rock and Devil's Gate on the Sweetwater River. That day, a …

Pumping Water to Powering Homes: Harnessing Wyoming’s Wind

… Jimmy Carter called the search for national energy independence “the moral equivalent of war.” Later windmills, … both placed in service in 2008; High Plains southwest of Rock River, Wyo., which started up in 2009; McFadden Ridge I southwest of Rock River, also started in 2009; and Dunlap I near Medicine …

Coming to Wind River: The Eastern Shoshone Treaties of 1863 and 1868

… the road. They killed a stage-station attendant at Split Rock. [6] Raids increased on the trails and stage routes to … edge, at the North Platte-Sweetwater confluence around Independence Rock—country that was also becoming heavily used by Arapaho … edge, at the North Platte-Sweetwater confluence around Independence Rock—country that was also becoming heavily used …

The Arapaho Arrive: Two Nations on One Reservation

… Sweetwater-North Platte confluence, in the country around Independence Rock. On March 18, 1878, 21 Arapaho lodges under Black Coal’s … Sweetwater-North Platte confluence, in the country around Independence Rock. On March 18, 1878, 21 Arapaho lodges under Black Coal’s …

Thyra Thomson, Wyoming Secretary of State 1963-1987

… we stayed in—Sugamvar—is older—dates from before Plymouth Rock. You know, it just blew my mind to think that these … the morning, to drive Keith home and as we were going down Independence Avenue here this big limousine with Sam Rayburn … the morning, to drive Keith home and as we were going down Independence Avenue here this big limousine with Sam Rayburn …

A Detective Gets His Man: The Capture of Rustler Clabe Young

… of the Lynching of James Averell and Ella Watson near Independence Rock, Wyoming on July 20, 1889. Wenatchee, Wash.: privately … of the Lynching of James Averell and Ella Watson near Independence Rock, Wyoming on July 20, 1889. Wenatchee, Wash.: privately …