Register Cliff - Leaving Their Mark
Written By: Sarah Reish
This month’s issue is so different for us - in that we are, in a way, delving deeply into the lives of those who settled and built the west. It is personal to those who journeyed and traveled through Wyoming making their way towards what they hoped was a better life. There were no promises of that life, but only the dream of what could be.
The History of Register Cliff
A couple of miles beyond the historic ruts, the Oregon Trail passes a massive and imposing cliff. The walls reaching high and offering shade on a hot day or protection on a windy day. It was used as a landmark for those leading the wagon train, showing the settlers they were on the right path. Situated roughly a day’s journey west of Fort Laramie, the trains would circle the wagons for much needed rest and take their animals out to graze in the pasture. All of the travelers and livestock could stop, for however brief, and recoup.
Becoming a Registry
This was a resting point for travelers, which meant it was not just a quick sleep and get-up-and-go situation. Travelers explored the area and found that the cliff was actually a soft sandstone. It quickly became a monument, point of interest, and a place where settlers could notate to family and friends coming after them that they had made it this far. It was a right of passage, for those who would continue on the journey, to register themselves onto the cliff’s face.
What was Registered
Many assume it was just names and dates, but a single registry could include names, where they came from, dates, and where they were heading. Some even included the Wagon Master (leader and navigator of the train) and those who traveled with them. Graffitied across most of the surface of the cliff are the histories of those who traveled along the Oregon Trail.
Today’s Register Cliff
Today the cliff still carries the histories of pioneers marked on its walls, but much has been washed away from over a century of rain and wind. Parts of the cliff are fenced off to protect the history that is left and the areas left unfenced showcase modern graffiti of those traveling to the cliff in recent history. Today it is no longer legal to commemorate ones journey on the cliff walls. But visiting the cliff is surreal and can inspire the imagination to visualize what a day exploring the cliff may have been like for the travelers on the Oregon Trail.
The Details:
Location: Register Cliff Historic Site Unnamed Road Guernsey, Wyoming 82214
Hours: Open year round sun up to sun set
Fees: Free!
Accessibility: This sight is not easily accessibly to those with mobility issues, please take care when visiting.
Amenities: Portable restrooms are available
Who will enjoy this location: All ages will enjoy this location. There are rocks for climbing, historic sites, plaques with details, and about 1/4-1/5 mile of trail around the cliff.
Hit The Road
We decided this is a must see historic location in Wyoming. It is situated not far from Fort Laramie and only a couple of miles from the Historic Oregon Trail Ruts and all together it makes for an amazing day. Be sure to take photos and post them on social media. Tag us @LiveWYldMag and use #LiveWYld