Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site

July 7 2006:

Let me situate you concerning where we are and what we are doing. Earlier on this trip we had visited Scott's Bluff, Nebraska a prominent place on the Overland Trail. From Scott's Bluff we followed the North Platt River west on US-26 into eastern Wyoming. We made stops at several historic places as we made our way to Casper, Wyoming where we stopped for the night. We stopped at Fort Laramie, then again at the Register Cliffs State Historic Site near Gernsey, Wyoming. This stop at the Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site is also in Gernesy.

Joyce and I spent the night in Casper East RV-Park Casper, Wyoming. Casper East RV-Park is a mom and pop operation without a mom & pop! N42° 51.357' W106° 17.338' $24 for water & 30-amps central sewage. They feature gravel interior roads & pads: This is NOT a campground we would relish staying in again. We will look for a PPA Campground the next time we are in Casper or we will stay at the Fort Casper RV-Park.

For emigrants who reached this portion of the Oregon, California, Mormon Pioneer, Pony Express trails between 1846 & 1868, the landscape was changing and new challenges lay ahead. Rested and resupplied with provisions from Fort Laramie, emigrants bound for destinations in Utah, California and Oregon now encountered increasingly difficult travel conditions as they made their trek westward. It would be 368 miles to the next major supply point Fort Bridger, or even further if other cut-offs were taken.

The importance of the Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, California and Pony Express Trail dwindled for emigrants with completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869. However, the trail was still utilized by a few travelers and the military, especially after Fort Laramie became a hub of activity during the Indian Wars period.

It is estimated that 500,000 people ventured westward over the trails to settle and develop the vast resources of the American West. Soon, however these trails began to wain in importance. With the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 the 2,000 mile journey that once took up to 6-months by wagon or on foot could be accomplished by rail in a mere two weeks.

Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site

While in Guernsey we visited Register Cliff and Origan Trail Ruts State Historic Site that preserved visual evidence of the thousands of wagons that passed this way.

Joyce standing beside some Oregon Trail Ruts

Through a narrow passage at the crest of this hill, thousands of people and wagons cut deep ruts into the sandstone.

Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site

Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site

Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site

This hill is just a days journey from Fort Laramie and less than 3-miles from Register Cliff.

Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site

One can only imagine how livestock and wagons struggled through this rocky terrain.

While the North Platte River provided critical water for livestock and the emigrants themselves, it also provided a barrier to overland travel. The river's waters were swift and treacherous especially in the spring and early summer. That is why the trail went over this hill, to avoid the rushing waters of the river just over the hill.

Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site

This has been an awsome stop for us. I don't know how it could have been any better.

Until next time remember how good life is.

Mike & Joyce Hendrix

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