Doin Educational Stuff

In search of the Old West500,000 pioneers headed west on a 2000- mile journey. Starting at Independence, Mo.
The first ones started the trek in 1843. They traveled the Oregon Trail. Many others used the Oregon Trail to their destinations.
One of these was the Mormon Handcart Company. Between 1840 and 1860 70,000 members came to Salt Lake City, Utah by handcart.
The handcart is a two-wheeled flat bed cart. They are light and easy to pull along,but you still had to walk the nearly 2000 miles.
A load limit had to be made. Seventeen pounds per adult was the limit. One cart per family.
The Mormon Church paid for the members to move west. This expense had to be paid back once they got to Salt Lake City.
One of the worst disasters for the emigrants on the trail occurred between Casper,Wyoming and Devils Gate,Wyoming, the year was 1856.
Two handcart companies traveling late in the season were stranded by a blizzard. Tired,cold and nearly starved to death,of the 800 that started the trip only 150 survived.
The story of this tragedy can be recalled at the Mormon Handcart Visitors Center and Museum.
47600 West Hwy 220Alcova,Wyoming
1-307-328-2953 for more information.
Wyoming handcart trek. A educational experience.