Searching for a better life and fleeing religious persecution, roughly 70,000 Latter-day Saints emigrated to Utah between 1847 and 1868. They traveled by foot, carrying their belongings and supplies behind them in a handcart. The trail they followed passes right through the modern-day Casper area along with the Oregon, California, and Pony Express Trails. You can visit several of the historic sites along the trail right here in Natrona County! From trail registers, where emigrants would carve their names and the year of their passage, to deep ruts still visible along their historic path, these sites are a great way to step back in time and experience a little of what the pioneers would have experienced on their trek west. One of the most iconic historic sites to visit along the Mormon Trail is Martin's Cove at The Sun Ranch.
Five handcart companies traveled west in 1856, but the last two started much later in the season. Pioneers would try to arrive at Independence Rock by July 4, or Independence Day, to ensure they would complete their journey well ahead of the fierce winter storms. The Edward Martin Handcart Company, made up of 600 emigrants, did not begin their journey until July 28, 1856. Most of the company had come to America from England.
By the time the company arrived at Fort Laramie, their rations were running short, and so was their energy to continue. They knew that resupply wagons would be coming to meet them on the trail from Salt Lake. Therefore, it was decided to leave personal items and clothing behind.
The next few weeks would continue to be disastrous for the group. On October 19, the bone-weary emigrants finally reached the last crossing in what is now the Casper area but were hit with their first winter storm. The company settled in at the Red Buttes Camp due to the continued bad weather, illness, and lack of supplies. It is known that roughly 50 members of the company passed away in this area.
Meanwhile, the Willie Handcart Company, who had left only a little earlier than Martin's Company, was located by the rescue wagons sent east from Salt Lake City. Resupplied and encouraged, their group was able to continue in much higher spirits. The rescuers continued east to locate the Martin Company, sending advance riders ahead to scout for the missing group. On October 28, the scouts discovered the Martin Company still camped at Red Buttes. The next day, encouraged by knowing help was on the way, the company resumed its journey. At last, on October 31, the rescue wagons were able to resupply the suffering emigrants with food and much-needed warmer clothing. However, winter had already taken its icy hold, and travel continued only at a snail's pace.
In the next few days the company would only travel a couple of miles from Devil's Gate to Martin's Cove, finding refuge from the storm at both places. They finally resumed the final leg of the journey on November 9. Yet, they did not reach Salt Lake City until November 30, 1856. They had lost somewhere between 135 and 150 lives along the way, but with sparse records, many of their identities will never be confirmed.