L I B R.ARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY
OF ILLINOIS
C5-79-/
III. KiST. SURVEY
CT7HIS BOOK is printed from
photographic plates of the
Original Copy of this GUIDE,
which was printed in St. Louis
in 1848. This original copy is
on file in the HISTORIAN'S OF-
FICE LIBRARY.
(Signed) A. WILLIAM LUND
Assistant Historian
Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints
THE
LATTER-DAY SAINTS'
EMIGRANTS' GUIDE:
BEING A
TABLE OF DISTANCES,
SHOWING ALL THE
SPRINGS, CRFEKS, RIVERS, HILLS, MOUNTAINS,
CAMPING PL ..CES, AND ALL OTHER NOTABLE PLACES.
FROM COUNCIL BLUFFS,
TO THE
VALLEY OF THE GREAT SALT LAKE.
ALSO, THE
LATITUDES, LONGITUDES AND ALTITUDES
OP THE PROMINENT POINTS ON THE ROUTE.
TOGETHER WITH REMARKS ON THE NATURE OF THE LAND,
TIMBER, GRASS, &c.
THE WHOLE ROUTE HAVING BEEN CAREFULLY MEASURED BY A ROADOME-
TER, AND THE DISTANCE FROM POINT TO POINT, IN
ENGLISH MILES, ACCURATELY SHOWN.
BY W. CLAYTON.
ST. LOUIS:
MO. REPUBLICAN STEAM POWER TRESS CHAMBERS & KNAPP,
1848.
Copy EIGHT secured, by W. CLAYTOS, in the Clerk'a Office of the District
Court of the United States for the District of Missouri.
PREFACE,
When the author first compiled the following work, it was
not with a design to publish it, although well aware of the
advantages which emigrants, traveling to the VALLEY OF TUB
GREAT SALT LAKE, would continually realize by having it
in their possession. However, there were so many who ap-
plied for copies of it and the labor of writing a copy being
considerable, as well as requiring much time it was con-
cluded to publish it in its present form, by which means it
can be afforded at a price which will bring it within reach of
any person wishing to have it.
Many works have been published, and maps exhibited for
the instruction of emigrants, but none which ever pretended
to set forth the particulars contained in this work, so far as
regards the route from Council Bluffs to the Great Salt Lake.
The distances from point to point are shown as near as a
Roadbmeter can measure ; and by this means the traveler can
know, each day, the kind of country lying before him, and
how far he must go in order to find a suitable place to camp at
night.
Emigrants have lost many o their teams m the neighbor-
hood of the Alkali lakes, in consequence of not knowing the
distance from any one of these lakes to good water. By pay-
ing attention to the remarks in this work, a person need run
. no risk, inasmuch as all the Alkali lakes, which are near the
, road, are mentioned and, also, the places where an encamp-
ment can be formed with safety.
The author feels a delicacy in saying much in favor of the
"^ " Guide,'* but is well aware that, when its merits have been
tested by experience, no person will repent of having pur-
chased it. It is, therefore, submitted cheerfully to the con-
sideration of an intelligent public.
AUTHOR.
St. Louis, Mo., Uth March, 1848.
EXPLANATION.
In the following table, the large type shows the prominent
points and places which will naturally be noticed by the emi-
grant. The first column of figures shows the distance from
point to point, in English miles. The second column of figures
shows the total distance of each point to Winter Quarters ;
and the, third column, the total distance of each point to the
Temple Block, in the CITY OF THE GREAT SALT LAKE. As,
for example :
How far is it from Winter Quarters to Pappea ?
Answer, (page' 5, second line) 18 miles.
How far from Pappea to the Elk Horn river ?
Answer, (page 5, second and third lines) 9 miles, &c.
Again : How far is it from Raw Hide Creek to Fort John ?
Answer, (page 11, last line) 12 miles.
How far is Fort John from Winter Quarters ?
Answer, (p. 12, first line) 522 miles.
How far is Fort John from the City of the Great Salt Lake ?
Answer, (p. 12, third column of figures) 509 miles.
The small type, in this table, contains the various remdrks
touching the nature of the road, lands, and its adaptation for
camping purposes, &c. For example :
What is said concerning the " La Bonte river ?" Page 13,
second line.
Answer. " It is a good place to camp being plenty of tim-
ber, grass and water" the necessaries for camping purposes,
rfttd consequently can be depended on. But, if thought advisa-
ble to go a little further, " there is a good camping place a mile
further," consequently you have choice of the two good places,
within one mile of each other.
What is said of a branch of the La. Bonte ? Page 13,
third line.
Jlnswzr. " Doubtful about water ;" consequently not safe to
depend on for a camp ground. It is also said that the " banks
are steep," which shows that it is not very good to cross, &c.
EMIGRANTS' GUIDE.
PROMINENT POINTS AND REMARKS. Diar.
miles.
FROM
W QRS.
miles.
FROM
CofGSL
miles.
Winter Quarters, Lat. 41 18' 53"
1031
The road good, but very crocked, following the ridges
and passing over a continual succession of hills and hoi
lows.
Pappea, ten feet wide, high banks.
18
18
1013
dome timber on the creek, but it is difficult to water
teams. Alter this, the road IB crooked and uneven to the
Kile Horn.
Elk Horn, nine rods wide, three feet deep.
9
27
1004
Current rather swift, and not very pleasant to ferry.
Plenty of timber on its banks. (See Note 1.)
Creek, ten feet wide, steep banks.
1
271
1003*
This creek has a good bridge over it, but little timber
on the banks. There la a high post, erected near the
bridge, for a guide to it.
Platte river and Liberty Pole.
m
39
992
Plenty of timber, but you will probably have to go
to the river lor water distance about a quarter of a mile
The nearest and best road to water is round the east
point of the timber.
Small Lake (narrow) south side the road.
3
42
988*
No timber on the Lake.
Circular Lake, or pond, close to the road.
(south.)
3
43*
987!
No timber. In the neighborhood of this, the road
runs alongside a number of small lakes, or ponds, foi
two miles ; but there is little timber nrar them.
R. R. and T., road joins the river, Lat. 41
27' 5" - ' -
9
524
9781
This is a point where a branch of the river rum
round nn island, on which is plenty of timber. Not mucl
water in the channel, but plenty for camping purposes.
Indian Grave, north side the road.
74
591
97H
This is a large pile of earth, about eighty yards north
of the road
R. R. and T., road joins the river.
^
60J
9701
Plenty of timber and water, without leaving the road
Shell creek, 12 feet^vwde, three feet deep.
2
62i
96SI
This creek is bridged, and a few rods lower is a placr
to ford Plenty of timber on it. After this you will probn-
bly find no water for twelve miles, without .turning con-
Biderably from the road.
Small lake, south side of the road.
51
68
963
Plenty of water in the Spring season, but none in
Bummer. It was entirely dry, October 18, 1847.
PROMINENT POINTS AND REMARKS. DIST.
miles.
frKOM
WQ.RS.
miles.
From
CofGSL
miles.
R. and R., road joins the river. -
62
74*
956|
After this point you will have four or five miles of
heavy, sandy road.
Long Lake, south side the road. -
i
75
956
There is a little timber where this lake joins the river,
and it is a pood camping place.
Forks of road to new and old Pawnee vil-
lages. - -
6*
SOi
950i
The left hand road IcVds to the Pawnee location of
3847 ; t'ao other to the old village. The latter is your route.
Lake, south of the road. ...
ft
81
950
Plenty of timber close to the road. The banks of the
lake are high, but there is a small pond near, where
teams can water.
Loup Fork lake and timber.
5
86
945
Opposite to where "the Pawnees were located, in the
Spring of 1847, and is a good place to camp
Lake and timber, south of the road.
8*
94*
9362
Looking-glass creek, 16 feet wide, 2 deep.
There is a poor bridge over this creek. It Is, howr
1
95*
935$
ver, not difficult to ford. Plenty of timber on and near it
Long Lake, south side the road. -
2
97*
9331
Some timber on the south bank, but none on the north
wide.
Beaver river, 25 feet wide, 2 feet deep :
Lat. 41 25' 13"; Long. 98 0' 15".
6|
1033
927*
Plenty of good timber on both sides. There are two
fording places. The upper one is good goinp in, but steep
on the opposite side. The lower one not good going down,
but good on the other side.
Plumb creek, five feet wide : Lat. 41 24'
29"; Altitude, 1,090 feet. -
61
110$
920!
On this creek the okl Pawnee mission station stands,
but is not a very pood place to camp, being ner the Paw-
nee cornfields. The creek was dry, October 16, 1847.
Ash creek, 12 feet wide, one foot deep.
21
113
918
Some timber, but not a very good chance to camp.
Ford of the Loup Fork : Lat. 41 22' 37"
Long. 98 11' 0".
H
114*
9161
This is the pioneer's ford, but is considered not so
good as the upper ford. River about 300 yards wide.
Old Pawnee village. ,.-
1
1141
916*
Formerly occupied by the Grand Pawnee and Tappa
bandst^ but burned by the Sioux, in the Fall of 1846.
Cedar creek, 8 rods wide, 2 feet deep. -
Ij
116*
9141
Some timber, and plenty of willow. After this, th
road runs on the bottom, throush high grass for som
distance, and gradually rises to higher land.
Road descends to low>lad again.
3
119*
9111
You will now find some deep ravines to cress, bu
none difficult.
Road leaves the river, and turns up a ravine
li
121
910
After ascendinq; the hipher land, the road is good am
level, except crossing the deep, dry ravines.
Road descends into a rayine.
1213
9095
You travel up this ravine a quarter of a mile, mostl
through high grass.
PROMINENT POINTS AND REMARKS.
I From i From
WQBS. CofGSL
miles. I miles.
Old Pawnee village, south side the road.
51
127
904
On the banks of the Loup Fork, but mostly de
utroyed.
Road descends from the bluffs.
^
127^
903$
After descending here, you cross a creek twelve feet
wide, and one foot deep banks soft, but not difficult.
You thcu travel through high grass and small bushes.
Road ascends the bluffs. - - -
*
1271
903*
After traveling about four miles, then turning left
from the road, so as to strike the timber you sec ahead
where it meets the river, the road can be shortened at
least a half mile.
i
Upper ford of the Loup Fork. -
You will find the water in some places near 3 feet
6
1333
897*
deep, and will have to travel down the river about half a
mile, to avoid deep hoics, and lind a good place to get out.
(See Notc2.)
Road ascends the bluffs. - - -
51
1391
891 2
After ascending the bluffs you will find a heavy, sandy
road for five or six miles.
Prairie creek, 12 feet wide 1 feet deep.
18
1571
873-1
Plenty ef water ani grass, but no timber. Banks.
some soft and miry. By taking a south-west course from
this creek, you would strike Wood rive"r six oreight miles
above the old crossing place, find thence crossing to the
Platto, by a course a little west of couth, the road may be
shortened at least five miles.
Dry creek. -
1
158!
872,}
" .....
i
159
872
Main Platte river. -
6
1651
865*
You do not come within two miles of the river, until
Wi arrive at Wood river.
ood riv^r, 12 feet wide, one foot deep.
3
169*
8611
Plenty of timber, and a good place to camp. Bank?
descending, steep, and some soft but good going out
The road ;iow generally runsfrom one to two miles distant
1'rara the main Pintle.
Road descends to lower land.
14
183*
8472
The road now runs near the timber for two miles
The grass is high, and a good chance to tamp, without
turning off the road.
Road ascends to higher land.
2
185*
8451
You will probably have to turn off the road some, for
the next camping place.
Deep ravine steep descent.
221
208
823
(( U __ _
*
208*
8222-
Two and a quarter miles beyond this, is a good plac.-
to camp, there being plenty of grass and water, on a low
bench, about twenty reds south of the road. There is, how-
ever, no timber but willow.
Deep dry creek. - - - -
3<1
2111
819*
No timber on it.
Creek or slough, south side the road. -
11
213^
817-5
Plenty of willows and grass, but doubtful for water.
Deep, dry creek. -
4*
2173
813*
The hi-ad of Grand Island is about opposite to this
creek, but the road now runs 80 far from the river, we
could not ascertain exactly.
PROMINENT POINTS AND REMARKS.
I From
WQns.
miles.l miles.
From
CofGSL
miles.
lm creek. - - - , -
Deep banks, plenty of timber, but no water, October
9, 1847.
Road leaves the river near timber.
This is a pretty good camping place.
Buffalo creek, south- side the road.
A wide creek, with deep banks, but no timber ex-
cept a few willow bushes. The road runs alongside thh
creek for three and a halt' miles.
Crossing of Buffalo creek. -
R. and R., road runs near the river.
Pretty good chance to camp.
R. and R., road runs near the river.
P16nty of buffalo-grass, and short prairie-grass. Plenty
of timber on an island, close by.
"VVillow Lake, south of the road. -
Good place to water teams, but no timber for camp
ing purposes.
Ptah Lake, south of the road.
The lake is long and very crooked. About a mile be<
foro you arrive at it, the road runs near the river a little
piece, then leaves it again.
Deep, dry creek. - -
Low, sandy bluffs, extending to the river.
R. and R. near the Sandy Bluffs : Latitude
410'47". ....
After leaving this plnce, the road leaves the river, and
runs near the foot of the bluffs, to avoid a bad swamp.
You will not strike the river for sixteen miles, but will
have no difficulty in finding feed and water.
Skunk creek, six feet wide.
Crossing of Skunk creek. -
Banks some soft, but not difficult. No timber.
Lake or marsh, south of the road.
Lake, south of the road. -
Plenty of grass and water, but no timber 1 nearer than
five or six miles.
Good spring of cold water. -
At the foot of the bluffs, north of the road, and at the
head of the Pawnee swamps.
Low, sandy bluffs. -
This is opposite to the junction of the north and aouth
fdrks of Platte river. Lat. 41 7' 44" ; Long. 100 47' 15" ;
Altitude, 2,685 feet.
Carrion creek, 10 feet wide, one foot deep.
Good place for grass, but no timber near.
R. R. and T., road, river and timber. -
Good place to camp.
Last timber on north side the river.
You will find no more timber on the north side the
river for two hundred miles, except one lone tree. Your
only dependence ior fuel will be buftklo chips and drill
wood.
Wide, deep creek. - -
Plenty of water, October 4, 1847. The banks are high
tut not bad to cross.
62
51
14
3
i*
41
221
2271
228*
2311
239*
244
251i
259*
2611
2753
2781
2801
286*
287*
2881
293
294*
2971
302i
306*
810
803*
8021
799*
7911
7792
7711
769*
755*
752*
750*
7441
7433
742i
738
7361
733*
728*
7241
722$
PROMINENT POINTS AND REMARKS,
I From
WQRS,
mues.i miles.
From
CofGSL
miles.
R. R. and lake, road and river near a bayou.
Opposite to this place are several islands, covered
with willow bushes, which will answer for fuel, and there
is little difficulty in getting to it.
Black mud creek. -
Plenty of water, October 3, 1847, but little feed for
teams.
R. and R., road joins the river. -
After this, the road again leaves the river, until you
arrive at the north Bluff JTork. Road good, but poor feed.
Small creek. -
Steep banks, but very little water.
North Bluff Fork, 6 rods wide, 2 feet deep.
Swift current, muddy water, low banks, quick-sand
bottom, but not bad to cross. Poor place for grass.
Sandy Bluffs, east foot. ...
The road over these bluffs is very crooked, but no
bad. If a road cim be made up the bed of the rivr, it
would save at least two miles travel.
Sandy Bluffs, west foot. ...
By following the foot of the bluffs, after this, the road
may be shortened at least a mile, and be equally as good a
road asr to follow the river.
2d. Sandy Bluffs, east foot. ...
These bluffs are hard on teams, being mostly soft sand
2d. Sandy Bluffs, west foot.
Bluff Creek, 4 feet wide, 1 foot deep. -
After this, the road maybe made considerably shorter
by following; the foot of the bluffs.
3d. Sandy Bluffs, east foot. -
These bluffs are sandy, and heavy on teams. Near the
west side you will find several steep places to descend, bui
not difficult, the sand being soft.
Small creek, running between the bluffs.
Many small Lizards on the sandy places, but they ap
pear to be perfectly harmless.
Sandy Bluffs, west foot. ...
Bluff Spring and small creek 200 yards,
and one a quarter of a mile. - ' -
In the neighborhood of these creeks the land ii
swampy and soft. The road was made close to the bluffs
to avoid the swamps.
Petite creek, 4 feet wide, 9 inches deep.
Plenty of water, some muddy, October 1, 18-17. i,ati
rude 410 iy 5 p".
Picanninni creek, 3 feet wide.
Good spring water, and plentiful, October 1. 1847.
Goose creek, 30 feet wide, 3 inches deep.
After crossing this, you pass over a low range oi
bluffs, very sandy, but only a quarter ot a mile wide; then
you descend on the bottom land again, but will find it so
and springy.
Small spring creek. -
J.:ny springs of cold water at the foot of the bluffs.
Small creek, 4 feet wide. ...
Plenty of clear cold water, October J, 18-17.
li
44
14
64
14
3091
3111
3131
3174
3201
3224
3261
3301
332
3324
3381
3401
341
342
343^
344
3454
346:}
721*
7194
.7174
7131
7104
7081
7044
7004
699
698!
6924
6904
690
689
6871
687
6851
684*
10
PROMINENT POINTS AND REMARKS. DIST.
rrvles
From
W Qns.
miles.
From
CofGSL
miles.
Duck-weed creek, 10 feet wide. -
*
3463
684*
Abundance of rood, cold spring water, Get 1, 1847.
Shoal stream, 3 feet wide. -
2
3483
682*
Dry, October 1, 1847.
Rattlesnake creek, 20 feet wide, 1$ ft. deep.
33
352i
678$
Swift current, sandy bottom, but not bad to cross.
Cedar Bluffs.
H
354
677
On\the south side the river. Lat. 41 13' 44" Long.
101 52'
Creek, six feet wide. -
5
359
672
Water plenty, September 30, 1847. Land.tn thia neigh-
borhood, sandy.
Creek, four feet wide. ...
J
359i
67H
Plenty of water, September 30, 1347.
Crooked Creek, five feet wide. -
4
3593
671*
Plenty of water, September 30, J847.
Camp Creek, eight feet wide.
4
3633
667*
Two creeks here, about the same size, but a few rodt
apart water cold and plenty, September 30, 1847. Nt
doubt they rise from springs.
Creek, three feet wide. -
4
3673
663*
Plenty of water, May 20. but dry, September 30, 1847.
Pond Creek, four feet wide.
*
368
663
Dry, September 30, near the river, but further north
nmnv ponds and tall grass.
Wolf Creek, 20 feet wide. -
13
369^
661i
At the east foot ot Sandy Blufls. which are bad to
cro?s, you will probably have to double teams, if heavy
loaded.
Sandy Bluffs, west foot. ...
3
370*
6603
Two hundred yard further, is a creek five feet wide.
Watch Creek, 8 feet wide, and 2 feet deep.
31
3733
657*
After this, the road runs pretty near the river banks,
to avoid seme swamps near the blufi's.
" Lone Tree," north side the river.
378
653
About three hundred yards south from the road.
Ash Hollow, south side the river.
23
3803
650*
So named from a grove of Ash timber growing on it.
It occupies a space of about fifteen or twenty acres, and
ia surrourded by hiph bluffs.
Castle Creek, 6 rods wide, 2 feet deep.
3
3833
647*
Swift current, quick-sand bottom, water muddy. Low
bank?, but not eood to cross, on account of quick-sand*.
Castle Bluffs, south side the river.
4*
388
643
You cross no more creeks of water, until you arrive
at Crab creek, twenty-five and a half miles_from here.
The road good, except in one place, where you travel
three-fourths of a mile over sand.
Sand Hill creek, 12 feet wide, south side
the road. .....
3
3883
642*
Near some sandy mounds, on the north side the road
Creek or slough. ....
ii
390*
6403
Dry.
Creek or slough.
7i
3973
633*
.Dry.
"~
Sandy Bluffs, east foot. ...
3
4003
630*
11
PROMINENT POINTS AND REMARKS.
DlST.
miles.
From
WQ*3.
miles.
From
CofGSL
milea.
Sandy Bluffs, west foot. -
Dry creek. - ....
Dry do. .....
Dry creek, 30 feet wide. -
The road runs near the river, from here to Crab creek.
Crab Creek, 20 feet wide, very shoal. -
Two miles further you will see some high bluffs on
the right. By ascending one of the highest you will aee
Chimney Rock, to the west.
Small lake, south of the road.
Good chance to camp, without turning from the road.
Cobble Hills, east foot. ...
You cross three dry creeks before you arrive here,
and then you travel over another range of sandy bluffs
ascent pretty steep, but not very sandy.
Cobble Hills, west foot. ....
After you descend on the low land, you. will find it
mostly sandy for ten miles, and in some places' very heavy
drawing.
"Ancient Bluff Ruins," north side the road.
Latitude 41 33' 3". -
Resembling the ruins of ancient castles, fortifications,
&c. ; but visitors must be cautious, on account of the
many rattle-snakrs lurking round, and concealed in the
clefts of the bluflfd.
R. and R., road joins the river. -
Good place to camp. After this, the road runs near
the river, until you arrive at the next low sandy ridges.
Low sandy bluffs, east foot.
Low sandy bluffs, west foot.
After this, the land for several miles, is soft in wet
weather, but good traveling in dry weather.
" Chimney Rock," (meridian) south side
the river. - - - - -
The higher land now begins to be sandy and barren.
Many Prickly-pears nd Wild Sage, which continue mostly
through the remainder of the journey.
Scott's Bluffs, (mer.) south side the river.
The road here is near enouah to the river to camp
Lat. of meridian. 41 50' 52". ; Long. 10 J 20'.
Spring Creek, 10 feet wide, 8 inches deep.
South of the road. You do not cross it, but travel halt
n mile alongside. Good water, and many trout in it.
R. and R., road runs near the river.
Good chance to camp.
Low sandy bluffs, north side the road. -
You travel at the foot of these bluffs, but will find the
road snndy and heavy on teams.
Creek, about 200 yards south of road. -
By ascending one of the highest bluffs near, you have
ft view of " Laramie Peak" in the Black Hills.
Timber, north side the river.
Road here about a quarter of a mile from the river
after this, generally from one to two miles distant. The
rood, to Lnrnmie. very sandy.
" Raw Hide" creek, 1 rod wide. :
1'lenty of water, June 1st, but dry, Sept. 15, 1847.
i
i
i
4
3
14
5
24
14
10*
7
1
14*
19*
4
12*
21
2
11*
4014
4024
406*
4094
4101
415*
4171
419
437
438
452*
472
476
488^
4914
4934
510
6291
629*
6281
6241
6211
620*
615*
6134
612
601*
594
593
578*
559
555
542|
5391
5371
5264
521
U, Or 1U-.
12
PROMINENT POINTS AND REMARKS.
DIST.
miles.
from
WQR9.
miles.
From
CofGSL
miles.
'* Fort John" or JLaramie ford. -
The fort lays about one and a half milea weet from
the river. The ford is good in low water. River 108 yards
wide. (See Note 3.)
Steep hill to descend. ...
The descent being over rock, and very eteep, makes
It dangerous to wagons, but it is not lengthy.
Steep hill to ascend and descend.
* In traveling over this hill, you will find the road rocky
in places, and about half way over there is a sudden turn
in the road over rough rocks, which is dangerous to wag-
ons, if care is not taken.
Road leaves the river. ...
At this point, the road bends to the south-west, leaving
the river. You will not come to the river banks again for
eighty miles.
" Warm Springs," Lat. 42 15' 6". -
This is a very strong spring of clear water, but it ie
warmer than river water, at all seasons of the year
Very steep bluff, half a mile up. -
Before arriving at this, you pass through a narrow ra-
vine, between bluffs. The ascent is unpleasant, on ac-
count of cobble stones.
" Porter's Rock," left of the road.
A mile beyond this, you descend to the lower land
again. The descent is steep, lengthy and sandy.
Bitter Creek and Cold Spring.
This was dry, September 13. Here is plenty of timber,
and if there is no water, you will find plenty three and a
half miles further.
Bitter Creeksecond crossing. -
Bend in the road. ....
Road turns south about two hundred yards, to avoid
ft deep ravine, then back again the same distance.
Dead Timber creek, 10 feet wide.
Plenty of timber, grass and water.
Creek, south side the road.
You don't cross this creek, but go just above it. It is
a flood chance to camp.
Small creek and spring : Lat. 42 2V 51"
Not safe to depend on lor a camping place. Little
grass and not much waterdry, September 13, 1847.
Steep hill, quarter mile up.
Pleasant view of the surrounding country from the
summit. The descent steep in several places, and many
cobble stones in the road.
"Horse Creek" and Heber's Spring. -
The spring lays a little to the right of the road, at the
edge of timber. If it is dry. there is water in the creek,
about one hundred yards north from this spring.
Bluff |ths of a mile to the summit.
Difficult to ascend on account of six or seven steep
places, where you will probably have to double teams.
Small creek : Lat. 42 29' 58". -
After crossing this, you cross five others, about a mile
apart, but none of them safe to depend on for a camping
place, being little grass, and ICES (if any) water.
12
7*
522 509
U
1*
41
4*
529*
5331
534i
536*
542*
u
73
I
5*
2*
547*
549*
550
551*
559*
559^
565
567i
5691
5011
497*
496*
4941
493*
4881
484*
4831
4811
481
479*
4711
471*
466
463*
461*
PROMINENT POINTS AND REMARKS
DIST,
miles.
Frem I From
WQRS.ICoiGSL
miles. I miles.
5th small creek from the last.
After crossing this, you ascend a high bluff, the top of
which is a succession of hilte and hollows iur five miles.
The road is good, but crooked.
La Bonte" river, 30 feet wide, 2 ft. deep.
Good place to camp plenty of timber, grws, and
water. There is also a good chance, a mile further. Plenty
of wild mint on the creek.
Branch of La Bonte, 10 feet wide, 18 inch-
es deep. -
Doubtful about water. Steep banks. You have now
traveled near a mile over this dark, red sand, and will find
It continue three and a half miles further.
Very small creek. -
Little chance for grass, and less for water. One mile
beyond this, you ngcend another bluff, but the road is tol-
erebly straight and good. Look out for toads with horn*
and tails.
Very small creek. *
Very poor chance for camping.
Very small creek. -
The rond runs down the channel of this creek, near
two hundred yards, but there is little grass on it.
A La Prele river, one rod wide, 2 ft. deep.
Current rapid good place to camp. Land between
creeks mostly sandy and barren. Road from here to the
Platte very uneven, being & succession of hills and hollows.
Small creek. -
No place to camp doubtful for water.
Box Elder creek, 5 feet wide.
Clear water, and plenty but not much grass. Np1
very good to cross, banks being steep. Some timber on it.
Fourche Boise river, 30 feet wide, 2 feet,
deep: Lat. 42 51' 5".
Current rapid. Plenty of good grass and timber.
North fork of Platte river. -
Not much grass here. You will now find a sandy roac 1
nnd heavy traveling.
" Deer Creek," 30 feet wide, two feet deep :
Lat. 42 52' 50": Altitude, 4,864 feet
Lovely place to camp. Swift current, clear water
and abundance of fish. Nice grove of timber on the banks,
and a coal mine about a quarter of a mile up. on the east
side. After this, you will find eandy roods for nine miles
but not much grass.
Deep hollow, or ravine steep banks. -
Sudden bend in the road. ...
To avoid a deep ravine.
Grove of timber on the banks of the river.
Good chance to camp. Lat. 42 51' 47".
Crooked, muddy creek, 12 ft. wide, 1 deep.
Not good to croeE steep banks. Plenty of grass, but
no wood.
Muddy creek, 3 feet wide. -
Soft banks and ba I to cross. Considerable small Urn
her, but little grass. After thia, good but crooked road.
Deep gulf.
43 574i 456*
6*
6*
4*
4
5
2
51
1
1
51
5821
5871
594
600*
6003
602*
606
6071
6103
6143
6193
622*
628
629
630
6351
638$
448*
443*
437
4301
430*
4281
4241
423^
420*
416*
411*
4081
403
402
401
395*
3921
14
PROMINENT POINT3 AND REMARKS.
DIST.
miles.
From
WQRS.
miles
From
CofGSL
milee.
Creek, two feet wide. ...
14
640
391
No place to camp.
Muddy creek, 5 feet wide, 1$ feet deep.
1
641
390
No chance to camp.
2 ravines, near together : Lat. 42 51 r 44 f/ .
3
644
387
Opposite here there is a fording place, where compa-
nies generally have forded the river.
Creek five feet wide. ...
3
647
384
Abundance of nsh, early in the season, but little grass.
tind no timber.
Upper Platte ferry and ford.
14
648$
3824
Plenty of feed and some timber on both sides the river
(See Note 4.) Lat 42 5(y 18". ^ Altitude 4,875 feet.
Road turns south, and rises a long hill. -
7
6554
3754
Ascent gradual. Many singular looking rocks on the
couth side. Descent rough and crooked. Towards tht
foot, road very uneven.
Mineral spring and lake.. ...
54
661
370
Considered poisonous. No bad taste to the water, un-
less the cattle trample in it. In that case it becomes black,
and is doubtless poisonous. No timber near.
Rock avenue and steep descent. -
74
6684
3624
The road here passes between high rocks, forming
kind of avenue or gateway, for a quarter of a mile.
Alkali swamps and springs. .
This ought to be avoided as a camping ground it it
2
670i
3604
a small valley, surrounded by high bluffs. The land ex-
ceeding miry, and emells bad. There i a creek of gooo 1
water north-west. No timber and little grass. Next mile,
rotigh road.
Small stream of clear spring water.
4
6744
3564
Good camping place. Plenty of grass, but no wood.
Willow Spring." ....
2|
6774
3533
About three rods west of the road, at the foot of wil-
low bushes. Water cold and good grass plenty, but creek
some miry.
Prospect Hill," (summit.)
1
6784
3521
Pleasant view of the surrounding country, to the
Fwect Water mountains.
34
6S14
3494
Plenty of grass, but little water. A mile further is t,
hill, both steep ascending and descending.
Creek, 300 yards south of road. -
11
683*
.347*
Plenty of grass, but no wood.
Small creek, left of the road.
2?
6851
3454
Grass plentiful, but doubtful for water, and no wood
The road runs alongside this creek fer half a mile.
Grease-wood creek, 6 feet wide 1 ft. deep.
U
6874
3434
Very little grass, and no fuel but wild sage. Roao
from here to the Sweet Water sandy, and very heavy.
Alkali springs and lakes. -
64
>6933
3374
Here gather your Salersetus from a lake, west of the
rofid. Land swampy, and emells bad. Water poisonous
<; Sweet-water river," 8 rods wide, 2 ft.
deep. .....
. 44
698
333
Swift current good water. Grass plentiful, but little
timber. (See Note 5")
15
PROMINENT POINTS AND REMARKS.
DIST.
miles.
From
WQB8
miles.
From
CofGSL
miles.
Independence Rock and ford.
j
698
3324
On the north side of the river about six hundree
yards lonp, and a hundred and twenty vrlde, composed o
hard Granite. (See Note 5.)
Kl
7H4.
397
A little west from the rond. The river here passe
PS
Ivt
O< f
between perpendicular rocks four hundred feet high.
This is a curiosity worthy of a traveler's notice.
Creek two feet wide. - ...
i
704
326*
Not good to cross. The road runs near the rive
banks for ten miles after this.
Creek, 6 feet wide. -
i
705
326
Good to croes. Water and grass plenty, but lack
timber. You will find grass all along on the banks of th
river, but very little wood.
Deep ravine and creek. ...
64
711;
3191
Plenty of grass and water, but no wood.
Deep ravine and creek. ...
i
712
319
Doubtful for water.
Road leaves the river : Lit. 42 28' 25".
3
715
316
Road after this, candy and heavy, and passes over
high bluff. Land barren for seven and a half miles
(See Note 6.)
Alkali Lake
j
715
315*
On the left of the road.
\J A V'2
Sage creek. .....
42
720
3103
No grass. High banks. Doubtful for water, but Wild
Sage plentiful. One and three-quarter miles further you
arrive on the river banks again.
Creek, three feet wide. ...
4
7244
3061
Doubtful for water, but the road runs close to the
river.
High gravelly bluff. -
Xelt of the road, and a very good place to camp.
Bitter-cotton-wood creek. - - -
14
7253
727
305|
304
Doubtful for water and grass. Some timber on it. Af-
ter this, the road leaves the river for eix miles.
Road arrives at the river. -
64
733-
2973
Leave the old road and ford the river. -
j
733 2
297
By fording here, the rand is shorter, nnd you avoic
much very heavy, sandy road. Lat. 42 31' 20".
Road turns between the' rocky ridges. -
li
735
296
After this, you ford the river twice but it is easily
forded. Then the road leaves the river again.
Ford No. 4 good camping place.
8
743
288
Alter this, the road leaves the river again, and you
will probably find no water fit to drink for sixteen and a
half miles.
Ice Spring. .....
63
7481
2824
This is on a low, swampy spot of land on the right
of the road. Ice may generally be Ibund, by digging down
ftbpnt two fcet ; There'are two alkali lakes a little further.
Alkali springs. - ....
On the left of the road
4
749
282
Steep descent from the bluffs .
9
758-A
272$
Ford of Sweet-water, No. 5.
1
^59*
271
Plenty of good grass and willow bushes. River about
three roda wide, nnd two feet deep.
16
PROMINENT POINTS AND REMARKS.
DlST.
miles
From
WQns.
miles.
From
CofGSL
miles.
Creek a rod wide. ...
*
7591
271*
Doubtful for water.
Bluff or hill, 1$ miles to summit.
*
760
271
The ascent gradual, though steep in some places.
Road joins the river, and fords it.
3
7631
267S
The river is forded here, to avoid crossing the next
high, eandy ridge, making the road much better, and some
ahorter.
j
nv\
0/^17
2
*UTT
<6U /
River banks and stream, 25 feet wide. -
*
764
2661
This appears to he a branch of the river, running
round a piece of land, about a quarter of ft mile wide.
Creek, two feet wide : Lat. 42 28' 36".
3
767*
263^
A good cold spring, a little to the right of the road
and a soft BW amp just below, but it is a good place to camp
Road leaves the river. ...
2
769i
261J
Good camping place. After this, the road winds around
And over a succession of hilla and hollows, for three miles.
Rough, rocky ridges. - - , -
2d
772
259
Dangerous to wagons, and ought to be crossed with
care.
Soft swamp and very small creek.
3
775
256
No place to camp.
Creek, a foot wide. ....
11
7761
254*
Creek, two feet wide. - -
4
777
254
Strawberry creek, five feet wide.
2
779
252
Plenty of grass and water, and some willows. Good
place to camp. There is a poplar grove about a mile below.
Quaking-aspen creek. ...
This rises in a small grove of timber on the south side
the road, but is not safe to depend on for water.
1
780
251
Branch of Sweet-water, 2 rods wide, two
feet deep. .....
21
7821
248*
Good place to camp. Water good and cold. Grasr
and willows, plenty.
Willow creek, 8 feet wide, 2 feet deep.
2*
785
246
Good camping place for grass, water and willows.
The ford is near three rode wide.
Sweet-water, 3 rods wide, 3 feet deep.
42
7891
241*
Good place to camp. After traveling seven miles be-
yond this, and passing between the Twin mounds, you
will find a good camping place a quarter of a mile north
of the road.
SOUTH PASS, or summit of dividing ridge.
91
799
231
This is the dividing ridge between the waters of the
Atlantic and Pacific. Altitude, 7.085 feet.
Pacific creek and springs. -
3
02*
228|
Abundance of grass any where for a mile. Good
water, and plenty ot Wild Sage for fuel.
Pacific creek (crossing) three feet wide:
Lat. 42 18' 58": Long. 108 40' 0".
ia
804
227
Not good to cross Pretty good place to camp, except
for wood. After you leave here you will find a good road,
but very little water.
Dry Sandy. .....
9
813
218
The water brackish, and not good for cattle. Very
little grass, but no wood.
17
PROMINENT POINTS AND REMARKS. DIST.
miles.
From
W. Qua
miles.
From
CofGSL
miles.
Junction of California and Oregon roads.
6
819
212'
Take the. left band road. Good road a tew miles, after-
wards sandy and heavy.
Little Sandy, 20 feet wide, 2| feet deep.
73
8263
204*
Muddy water swift current. Plenty of willows and
wild sage. Abundance of grass down the stream. Af'tei
this, barren and sandy land. ,
Big Sandy, 7 rods wide, 2 feet deep : Lat.
42 6' 42". -
8*
835
196
Good chance to camp. A few miles further, you will
find a short piece of rough road, over rocks and cobble
etones. No grass or water after this for near 1? miles.
Big Sandy. - . .
17
852
179
Good chance to camp. After this, barren, aandy land.
nd heavy road till you arrive at Green river.
Green river ford, 16 rods wide. -
10
862
169
Gpod camping any where on the banks, and plenty ol
timber. It is not difficult fording in low water; but if too
high to ford, the best crossing place is upstream. Latitude
2 miles above 41 5V 37"; Long. 109 30'. Alt. 6,000 feet.
Good camping place on Green river.
li
863^
1671
Plenty of grass here. But no other very good chance
to camp on this side the river.
Road leaves Green river. ...
3*
867
164
No grass nor water after this for fifteen and a haH
miles. Land rolling, barren mostly sandy, and several
eteep places to pass.
*
Black's fork, 6 rods wide, 2 feet deep. -
" 15^
882*
148$
Good chance to camp, and a nice place, though not
much timber.
Ham's fork, 3 rods wide, 2 feet deep. -
33
886*
144|
Eapid current, cold water, plenty of bunch grass ane
willows, and is a good camp ground.
Black's fork again. ....
13
888
143
Not much grass, but plenty of "willows. You will now
nave some uneven road, with many ravines.
Small creek, 2 feet wide. ...
103
8983
132*
No grass, and probably no water.
Black's fork, third time. ...
2
.9003
130*
After crossing you will find a good camping place
Plenty of bunch grass ; also, wild flax.
Black's fork, fourth time. ...
2*
903
128
You ford again at a good camping plaee.
Stream 2 rods wide, 2 feet deep.
23
9053
125*
Very swift current, and plenty of bunch grass. Roar'
pretty rough after this.
Stream good camping place at a bend.
You do not cros the stream, but there is a good camp
ing place, where the road pa&ses A bend of thft crrek.
3*
909*
1211
" Fort Bridger: " Lat. 41 19' 13" j Long.
110 5'; Altitude, 6,665 feet.
8*
917|
113$
You cross fourtfuehing creeks, within bulf a mile, be-
fore you rr&ch the Fort, and by traveling half a mile be
yondthe Fort, yon will cross three others, and then find
a good place to oomp.
The Fort is composed of four log houfcs nnd a smal'
enclosure for horses. Land exceeding rich- water cold
and good, and considerable timber
18
PROMINENT POINTS AND REMARKS.
Cold Springs, on the right side the road.
Thcro is timber here, and it is a pretty good camping
DIST.
miles
From
miles.
From
CofGSL
milea.
Small creek and springs. ...
No feed here, and no place to camp.
Summit of High Ridge: Lat. 41 16' IF.
After this, you travel several miles on tolerably level
land, then you descend to lower land by a steep, tedious
route.
Muddy Fork, 12 feet wide.
Plenty of bunch grass and willows. Water clear, and
not bad tasted. After this, you will probably find no good
water lor eleven miles.
Copperas, or Soda Spring. ...
Left of the road at the foot ot a hill. The road now
begins to ascend another high ridge.
Summit of Ridge : Altitude 7,315 feet.
The descent is lengthy, and some tedious. About half
way down you pass over rough rocks, and the pass being
narrow, makes it dangerous to wagons.
Copperas, or Soda Spring. -
Cattle will drink this water, and there is plenty of
grass around it. A little further the road turns to the left
and passes down a narrow ravine.
Spring of good water, south side the road.
This is surrounded by high grass, close to the creek
Bide. There is another spring a little further on thenoith
ide the road, which will probably be the last water yoi
will find till you arrive at Sulphur creek.
East foot of dividing ridge. -
Dividing ridge between the watera of the Colorado
and Great Basin. Ascent very steep and crooked narrow
summit and steep descending. After this, crooked road
between mountains. Altitude of ridge, 7,700 feet.
Sulphur creek, 10 feet wide. . -
Plenty of grass and some willows ; also, small cedar
lit the foot of the mountain. (See Note 7.)
Bear river, 6 rods wide, 2 feet deep. -
Swift current clear co"ld water; plenty of timber and
prass. Altitude t ford, 6,836 feet.
Summit of Ridge. ....
Half a mile further you cross a small ridge, then de
Bcend into, and travel down a nice narrow bottom, where
Is plenty of gnjss.
Spring of clear, cold water.
On the south side the creek, about two rods from the
road. The spring "is deep water clear, cold and good.
Perhaps it will not be easy to find, being aurrounded by
high grass.
Yellow creek, cross at foot of rocky blufis.
You will eoon cross this jigain, and about a mile fur-
ther you ascend another long ridge, the ascent being pretty
ereep and tedious.
Summit of Ridge. -
Descent pretty steep. About three-fourths of a mile
down from the Kumn.it, is a spring of good cold water, OE
the left of the rood.
6*
H
II
9231
925
926
934*
936
937
941 a
106
105
ii
21
II
950*
953
9541
959i
961*
95
94
891
88*
822
802
78
76*
in
691
19
PROMINENT POINTS AND REMARKS.
IKrom i From
WQRS. CofGSL
.miles. 1 miles.
Cache Cave and head of Echo creek: Al
titude, 6,070 feet. ...
3
65
66
Cave in the bluffs north. Several springs along th
road, before you arrive here, and one, a quarter of a mil
eouth from the Cave. Plenty of grass, aad a good plac
to camp.
Cold spring, on the right of the road. -
2
967
64
This also i.s a good place to camp, being plenty of grae
Cold spring, south side the road. -
2 J
969
61|
At the foot of a high hill. Good place to camp. Afte
this, you travel down a narrow ravine, between big
mountains, till you arrive at Weber river. Noc much dl
ficulty for camping down it.
1%
970
60$
Steep on both banks. After this, you will cross Ech
creek a number of times, but in no place very difficult.
Red fork of Weber river : Alt. 5,301 feet
16
986
44$
There is a good camping place a mile before you ar
rive here. Also, almost any where on the b'anks of th
river. Plenty of timber. The stream abounds with epotte
trout.
Weber river ford, 4 rods wide, 2 ft. deep
4
990*
40$
Good to ford. Plenty of grass and timber on both
fides the river.
Pratt's Pass, to avoid the Kanyon.
j
991
40
The Kanyon is a few miles below, where the river
runs between high mountains of rocks. Some emigrants
have passed through, bat it is dangerous.
East foot of Long hill. ...
]
992
39
There is a email creek descends down the hollow, up
which the road is made. There are several epriugs near
the road.
Bridge (over the creek.) ...
2*
.994*
361
Not a bad place to camp.
Summit of Ridge. ....
21
9961
34i
The country west looks rough and mountainous. The
descent is not pleasant, being mostly on the side hill.
Small creek, left of the road.
11
998|
32}
Good place to camp. Plenty of grass, water nnd wil-
lows. The road here turns north a quarter of a mile, then
west, and ascends a stnep hill.
Kanvon creek, 1 rod wide, 1 foot deep :
Lat. 40 54' 7". ....
21
OOH
291
You have to croee this creek thirteen timea, besides
two bad wamps. The road is dangerous to wagons, on
account of der ee, high bu?hes, fees, und short turns in the
road. Goo'l pl^ce to camp. (See Note 9.).
Leave Kanyon creek* ...
8
009*
211
Here you turn to the right, and begin to ascend the
highest mountain you cross in the whole journey. You
travel through timber, some on side hi Us, and crosa the
crek a number of times.
Small spring, left of the road.
3
012*
181
You will probably find water in several places, but it
is ulncTtain where, as it runs but * little way in a place,
and then sinks in the eerh.
Summit of mountain : Altitude. 7,245 feet.
1
013i
17|
You have now a view of the south part of the Valley
of the Great Salt Lake. The descent is etccp, leugtby.
nd todioua, on account of stamps in the road.
20
PROMINENT POINTS AND REMARKS.
DlST.
miles,
From | From
QBS. CofGSL
miles. I miles.
Bridge over a deep ravine. -
This is dangerous to cross, and a wagon may be easily
upset. The road lays through a foreat of email timber,
and is unpleasant traveling.
Brown's creek and spring. -
Not a bad place to camp, but there is a much better
one, half a mile lower down.
Cold spring on Brown's creek. -
Within a rod of the road, on the east side, under a
grove of Black Birch bushes. Good place to camp, but
uome miry. Good camping any where for two miles
lower.
Leave Brown's creek. ...
You now ascend another high mountain, by a steep
and crooked road. On both sides this mountain, there are
many Serviceberry bushes.
Summit of last ridge. -
The descent is very steep, all the way, till you arrive
on the banks of Last creek.
Last creek. .....
You cross this creek nineteen times. Several ef the
crossings are difficult. There are several side hills which
require care in teamsters. Three camping places on it
but the road is rough.
Mouth of the Kanyon. ...
You now enter the Valley ef the Salt Lake. The road
at the mouth of the Kanyon bad, and rough with stumps
Afterwards, descending and good.
CITY OP THE GREAT SALT LAKE.
1014
10141
1019*
1020*
1021
1026
1031
17
16*
13*
Hi
101
10
The city is^ located within three miles of the mountains,
which enclose the east side of the valley wjthin three miles
of the Utah outlet, and twenty-two miles of the Salt Lake.
The land is gradually sloping, from the mountain to within, a
.mile of the Outlet, and is of a black, loose, sandy nature. A
Stream of water rushes from the mountains east of the city,
and, at the upper part, it divides in two branches, both of
which pass through the city to the Outlet. The water is
good, and very cold, and abundance for mill purposes, or for
irrigation. The air is good and pure, sweetened by the healthy
breezes from the Salt Lake. The grass is rich and plentiful,
and well filled with rushes, and the passes in the mountains
afford abundance of good timber, mostly balsam Fir.
The valley is about forty miles long, and from twenty to
twenty-five miles wide. It is beautifully surrounded on the
west, south, and east by high mountains. Salt Lake extends
from a point a little south of west, from the city, to about
eighty miles north, forming the north-western boundary of the
21
valley. There are two sulphur springs a mile and a half north
from the *TEMPLE BLOCK ; the water is salt, and a little warmer
than blood : two miles further north there is a sulphur spring
of boiling water. There is not much land on the north part of
the valley fit for cultivation ; but the east side is well adapted
for farming, being well watered by several large creeks, and
the soil beautiful. The land on the west of the Utah Outlet,
is also good for farming, and easily irrigated from the south end
of the Outlet.
The latitudes, longitudes, and altitudes are copied from
the observations and calculations made by Elder O. PRATT.
The variation of the magnetic needle, at the City of the
Great Salt Lake, 15 47' 23" east, as determined on the 30th
July, A. D. 1847, by the mean of several observations, and
calculations of the Sun's Azimuths and Altitudes,
* Latitude of northern boundary of Temple Block, 40 45' 44".
Longitude of do. do. do. 111 26' 34".
Altitude of do. do. do. 4,300 feet.
22
NOTES.
NOTE i. If the Elk Horn river is fordable, you leave the
main road a mile before you strike the river, and turn north.
After leaving the road three-fourths of a mile, you will cross
a very bad creek or slough, being soft and miry; but, by
throwing in long grass, it will be good crossing. You then
travel three-fourths of a mile further, and arrive at the ford.
You will go up stream when fording, and gradually come
nearer to the opposite shore, till you strike a piece of low land
on the west side j you then pass by a narrow, crooked road,
through the timber, till you arrive on the open prairie. You
will then see a post erected in near a south direction, about
a mile distant. Go straight to that post, and you will find a
good bridge over the creek and there, again strike the main
'Toad. From .here, you have before you near five hundred
miles travel over a flat, level country, and a good road, with
the exception of several sandy bluffs mentioned herein. The
road generally runs from one to two miles from the Platte
river, but not too far to turn off to camp in case of necessity.
All camping places, which lay near the road, are mentioned in
this work. You will find near two hundred miles without
timber, but in that region you will find plenty of buffalo chips,
which are a good substitute for fuel. Buffalo are numerous
after you arrive at the head of Grand Island, and continue two
hundred miles.
NOTE it. The descent to the ford is steep, and at the bottom
very sandy. Your best chance to ford will, probably, be to
enter the river opposite to where you descend from the bluff;
then go near a straight course, but inclining a little down
stream, till more than half way over, when you will find a
sand-bar. Follow this, down stream near half a mile, and
you will then see a good place to go out on the south side. In
this river the channels often change the old ones fill up, and
new ones are made hence, the wisdom and necessity of hav-
ing several men go across on horses, to find the best route, be-
fore you attempt to take wagons over. If this precaution is
not taken, you may plunge your wagons from a sand-bar into
a deep hole, and do much damage. If you ford up stream, and
come out higher than where you enter, after crossing, strike
for the bluffs, in a direction a very little west of south, till
you arrive on the old road.
On arriving at Prairie creek, if you take a south-west
course, a short day's drive will bring you to Wood river, six
or eight miles above where the old road crosses; and by keep-
ing the same course after crossing Wood river, yon will strike
23
the Platte ten or twelve miles above where Wood river emp-
ties into it. By this means the road would be shortened at
least five miles, and probably much more.
NOTE in. Fort "John, or Laramie," lays about one and a
half miles from the river, in near a south-west course, and is
composed of a trading establishment, and about twelve houses,
enclosed by a wall eleven feet high. The wall and houses arc
built of adobes, or Spanish brick. It is situated on the Lara-
mie Fork, and is a pleasant location : the latitude of the Fort
is 42 12' 13"; longitude 104 IP 53", and altitude above the
sea, 4,090 feet. After leaving here you begin to cross the
"Black Hills," and will find rough roads, high ridges, and
mostly barren country. There is, however, not much diffi-
culty in finding good camping places, each day's travel, by ob-
serving the annexed table.
There is a road follows the river, instead of crossing the
Black Hills, and it is represented as being as near, and much
better traveling if the river is fordable. By following this
road you have to cross the river three times extra, but will
find plenty of grass, wood, and water. If the river is fordable
at Laramie. it is fordable at those three places, and you can go
that route safely.
NOTE iv. The best place to ford will probably be a little
below the bend in the river. After this you have fifty miles
to travel, which is dangerous to teams, on account of Alkali
springs. Great care should be taken to avoid them, by select-
ing a camping place where none of these springs are near.
NOTE v. In low water the river is easily forded opposite to
the Rook Independence ; but, if not fordable here, a good place
can be found a mile higher up the river.
Independence Rock is one of the curiosities to be seen on
the road, mostly on account of its peculiar shape and magni-
tude. There^are many names of visitors painted in various
places, on the south-east corner. At this corner most travelers
appear to have gone up to view the top ; but there is a much
better place on the north side, about half way from end to end.
Latitude l\ miles below 42 30' 16".
The road along the Sweet Water is mostly sandy and heavy
traveling. You will find many steep places, and as you ap-
proach the Rocky Mountains, you will find some high hills to
travel over.
After crossing the mountains the country is level, but still
barren, and, if possible, more sandy. You will have to make
some long drives to obtain water for camping. There is great
lack of timber, from the Upper Platte ferry 'to Fort Bridger,
24
and in fact scarcely any kind but willows. In all this region
the willows and wild sage form your chief ingredient for fuel.
NOTE vi. It is supposed that a good road can be made here,
by following the banks of the river. If so, these high bluffs,
and much sandy road, would be avoided.
NOTE vn. At the foot of the mountain, on the south side
the road, and at the edge of the creek, there is a strortg sulphur
spring. A little above the spring, on the side of the moun-
tain, is a bed of stone coal. At the foot of the bluff, west of
where you cross the creek, is a noble spring of pure, cold
water ; and about a mile from this place, in a south-west
course, is a " Tar," or " Oil Spring," covering a surface of
several rods of ground. There is a wagon trail runs within a
short distance of it. It is situated in a small hollow, on the
left of the wagon trail, at a point where the trail rises a,higher
bench of land.
When the oil can be obtained free from sand, it is useful to
oil wagons. It gives a nice polish to gun-stocks, and has been
proved to be highly beneficial when applied to sores on horses,
cattle, &c.
NOTE viii. From the summit of this ridge, you will see
to the west, a ridge of high, rough, peaked rocks. The road
runs at the south foot of that ridge, and there crosses Yellow
creek. From the place where you now stand, the road runs
through a beautiful narrow valley, surrounded by gently rolling
hills, and is pretty straight and pleasant traveling, till you ar-
rive at that ridge of rocks. There is little difficulty in finding
a good camping place, between here and the ridge in view, ex-
cept for fuel, which is scarce. There are several springs of
good water along the creek.
NOTE ix. On this creek is a very rough piece of road ;
the bushes are high, and road narrow, in consequence of which
wagon coVers are liable to be torn, and bows broke. There
are many short turns in it, where wagon tongues are liable to
be broke* Some of the crossing places are bad. There is a
good camping place where first you strike the creek one
about half way up, and one a quarter of a mile before you leave
the creek.
The ascent up the next mountain is both lengthy and tedi-
ous, mostly through high timber, and there are many stumps
in the road. It is a chance whether you will find any water
till you descend on the west side.
From this creek to the valley is decidedly the worst piece
of road on the whole journey, but the distance is short, and by
using care and patience, it is easily accomplished.
