Visiting This One Incredible Place In Wyoming Is Like Experiencing A Dream
Caryl
Author
Dreams come in many different forms. Only in a dream could you go back in time and relive such a pivotal point in history. Independence Rock, a large granite rock in Wyoming, is such a dream and evokes a feeling like no other. This rock played an important role in the westward expansion and even goes as far as making the original pioneers immortal. It’s located in Natrona County along Highway 220 in Wyoming.
Independence Rock became a landmark for those traveling the Mormon, Oregon, and California trails. As pioneers passed this rock on their journey west, some would stop and carve their name, date, or initials into the rock. There are thousands of inscriptions carved into the granite rock, which has become known as the Register of the Desert. The inscriptions were either carved or painted with axle grease.
Independence Rock became the mid-point between the Missouri River and the Pacific Coast. Most wagon parties left the Missouri River in early spring. Their goal was to reach the rock by July 4th which would ensure that they would reach their destinations before the first mountain snowfalls.
Independence Rock was the most prominent landmark along the Emigrant Trails. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places October 15, 1966 and was designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark on January 20, 1961.
The unique thing is that you can retrace the steps of those from years ago and pretty much see the area exactly as travelers did 200 years ago. Very little has changed over the centuries.
What is your Wyoming dream?
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