Doin Stuff: Trails With Tales

500,000 pioneers headed west on a 2000 mile journey started at Independence,Missouri and ending at the ocean in Oregon.

This was called the Oregon Trail.

Many others used this trail and made trails of their own to go to other destinations.

One such group was the Mormon Handcart Company.

The handcart is a two wheeled flat bed which you pull behind you. Due to the large expense of a wagon, the handcart was a much more economical way to travel.

The Mormon Church paid for each member to come to Salt Lake City, Utah so the low cost of the handcart meant more people could go. Each member was expected to work and pay the church back for their expenses.

From 1840 to 1860, 70,000 members came for the East to the West, by handcarts. A load limit of 17 pounds per adult and only one handcart per family was allowed. The handcart was light and easy to pull but the draw back was the 2000 mile walk. But still they came for a chance of freedom.

One of the worst disasters for emigrants on the Oregon Trail, occurred between Casper, Wyoming and Devils Gate, Wyoming.

Two handcart companies traveling late in the season were stranded by a blizzard. Tired,cold and almost out of food, with little or no shelter, it is surprising that 150 people survived out of the 800 people in the handcart groups.

The story of the tragedy can be recalled at the Mormon Handcart Visitors Center.

The Oregon Trail was used by the handcart company, but the Oregon Trail did not go to Salt Lake City, Utah. The Mormons were forced to make their own trail from South Pass, Wyoming to Salt Lake City.

The ruts from the wagon wheels can still be seen today at and around the South Pass area. Even after all of these years. It is a must to see.

Be sure to get your Wyoming map so you do not miss anything.