Pioneers traveling to Oregon, California, Utah and Pony
Express riders carrying the mail across the nation all knew Independence
Rock as one of the most important landmarks on their journey west. Many
of the travelers left their names on this rock, either carved or painted
in axle grease. We ask you as modern day travelers to help us protect
this historic landmark. Feel free to walk around the site and even on
top to appreciate the view the pioneers would have seen as they passed
through this area. But please do not take away the historical significance
of this site by placing your signature on the rock or destroying the
ones that are still visible. It's up to all of us to help save what
remains here for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
History of Independence Rock
The initial movement of the Mormons from Nauvoo, Illinois,
to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake occurred in two segments - one
in 1846 and one in 1847. The first leg of the journey across Iowa to
the Missouri River covered around 265 miles. The second leg, from the
Missouri River to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake covered about 1,032
miles. The second leg of the journey began on April 5, 1847 and ended
on July 24, 1847. This part of the trip went smoother than the previous
year's journey due to better organization, better provisions and beginning
when the trail conditions were optimal. The lead pioneer party left
with 148 people (143 men, 3 women and 2 young boys), 72 wagons, 93 horses,
66 oxen, 52 mules, 19 cows, 17 dogs, and some chickens. This hand-picked
group was organized into two large divisions and further split into
companies of 50 and 10. This organizational structure was based on Brigham
Young's plan for migrating west and included details on camp behavior
and devotional practices to be followed.
At Fort Laramie the Mormons
crossed to the south side of the river and joined the Oregon Trail.
At Fort Bridger State Historic Site, they struck out on their own and
followed the faint year-old tracks of the ill-fated Donner-Reed party.
The last 116 miles took 14 days to complete and were very demanding
due to difficult terrain, weary travelers, worn wagons and weakened
livestock. Upon arriving at the Valley, this first party began planting
late crops, laying out streets, building shelters and preparing for
winter. Mormon emigrants continued to arrive during the remaining weeks
of summer and fall. Approximately 1,650 people spent their first winter
in the valley. The next 20 years would see about 70,000 Mormons traveling
by wagon and handcarts over the Mormon Pioneer Trail.
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