Category Archives: difficult crossings

September 18, 1853

Sunday 18th. A beautiful morning, warmer than it was yesterday, Des Chutes River 10 miles from camp. Before reaching the river we had a long hill to descend and a worse one to climb after crossing. Reached the river about … Continue reading →

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August 22, 1853

Monday 22nd. We crossed the point of the bluff this morning and 9 miles from this bluff is the ford. In crossing this ford our cattle were somewhat obstinate and got in rather deep water which came in our wagon … Continue reading →

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August 5, 1853

Friday 5th. Drive 3 miles this morning down a long, steep hill, came to the river again, no grass here. We watered and drove around through a valley about 3 miles and came to a small dry branch, followed up … Continue reading →

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July 29, 1853

Friday the 29th. Plenty of mosquitoes again last night. Two miles from camp is Fall Creek, very steep bank to go up, creek 20 ft. wide. The road follows down the river 3 miles then strikes across to Raft River … Continue reading →

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July 19, 1853

Tuesday the 19th. Our train divided. It was too large on account of grass. We started out alone again, having traveled some 799 miles in company with those 2 wagons and 7 men we joined on the Platte River. One … Continue reading →

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July 14, 1853

Thursday the 14th. The toll for ferrying across is six dollars per wagon. We concluded to ferry ourselves again, drove down the river and commenced operations, took one load over and had to stop on account of high winds. The … Continue reading →

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June 24, 1853

Friday the 24th. To Platte River Bridge, 9 miles crossing, several fine branches in the distance. Stopped at noon opposite the bridge. Grass poor. Concluded rather than pay six dollars per wagon, we would ferry our wagons over. Drove 4 … Continue reading →

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June 16, 1853

Thursday the 16th. Crossed the other two wagons of our train this morning and 2 more wagons for another train. The owner said he would pay us whatever we would ask if we would set his family and wagon safe … Continue reading →

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June 2, 1853

Thursday the 2nd. We expect to cross the South Platte today and dread it exceedingly. We reached it at 1:30 o’clock, blocked up our wagon boxes, mustered up courage and got through safe. This river is about 3/4 of a … Continue reading →

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May 17, 1853

Tuesday the 17th. We crossed Otter creek and the 3 Sandies today, crossing rather bad at each, passed three graves side by side. Two were buried June 4th, 1850, the other June 4th, 1852. Camped 4 miles from Little Blue, … Continue reading →

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