Oregon Trail Ruts - History Marked In Stone
Written By: Sarah Reish
To say history has left its mark has never been more true than the history of westward expansion here in Wyoming. We have very real and tangible evidence of pioneers painstakingly making their way west to California, Oregon, and Salt Lake.
Reality Check
The wagon train offered people zero comforts. It was hot, bumpy, dusty, crowded, and there was almost no privacy. Not to mention disease and the dangers faced from weather, rivers, and wildlife along the way. The smell had to be suffocating with livestock, close quarters, and lack of hygiene. I think after reading through journal entries and plaques around the various sites we have visited, that moving to the west was a sacrifice given for the hope of better opportunities. One such letter written by a man traveling west states “the dust today was choking us”. A wagon train averaged 30 wagons and could be as large as 200. We must include the livestock that traveled with the caravans as well. The average speed was 2 miles per hour and they traveled about 15-20 miles a day. The wagons weighed about 2500 lbs and roughly 15% of that weight was food. Unlike in the movies, people most often walked to reduce the weight the animals had to bear in an effort to save their livestocks strength for the mountains they knew were ahead. It seems the journey was torturous in that it was months of slowly plodding along in the heat, dust, and miserable conditions.
Remnants
400,000 settles traveled the Oregon trail. Roughly 250,000 heading to California and 70,000 to Salt Lake. 1 in 17 individuals never making it. Meaning the route is covered in graves. During the research for these articles we spoke with many people and specialists on the subject, one shared that the route was disgusting and littered with trash and various items. When a wagon wheel broke there was no where to put it but the side of the trail. The same goes for items discarded to lighten the wagon when an animal was injured or weak. Wagons themselves were abandoned due to the animals pulling them going lame and or dying. Wagons were also pillaged and left due to deaths of people who had succumbed to disease or injuries.
The Trail
While the discarded items have been cleaned up, we can, today, see the impact of the thousands of wagons carrying hopefully settlers to their new home. Despite the danger and miserable conditions the hope for what lay ahead filled the hearts and minds of those traveling. The Oregon Trail Ruts signifies the impact and sacrifice made by the settlers. Four foot deep wagon wheel imprints showcase the determination and the strength of those who persevered despite the odds set against them.
The Site
A short distance from the parking area is a path filled with markers that detail the history and lives of those who traveled along the Oregon Trail. At most it is three quarters of a mile in length, visitors will be taken along a small section of the journey the pioneers made. What stuck out most was how rough the trail was, despite the imprints left. The road they took was bumpy, steep, and dangerous. The jutting trail was never leveled and jumped with peeks and depths. I cannot imagine the danger it held for the settlers in rainy weather. It was not an easy road traveled.
The Details
Hours: Open year round, sun up to sun down.
Accessibility: The trail is a loop. One side having steps and the other does not. So if accessed in and out through the ramp side those with mobility issues can still have access to see the ruts.
Family Friendly: Yes, absolutely. This is great for all ages and you can walk through the ruts and take photos standing in them.
Hit the Road
While not one of the largest historic sites and with only the ruts as the single focus and purpose, this is a must see for anyone looking to get to know Wyoming and American history a bit better. Be sure to share your visit on social media and tag us @liveWYldMag and use #LiveWYld
