As you study the Doctrine and Covenants in Come, Follow Me this year, you can deepen your understanding by exploring the stories and viewing photos of places where sacred events occurred. This is one in a series of articles about key Church history sites.
Several historic Church history sites in Wyoming have been preserved by the Church for visitors to enjoy either in person or virtually.
Martin’s Cove: Mormon Trail Site
Martin’s Cove, located about 55 miles southwest of Casper, Wyoming, is the location where the Martin handcart company and the Hunt and Hodgett wagon companies sheltered while awaiting rescue in the fall of 1856.
The site includes a visitors’ center with artwork, artifacts, and exhibits about the rescue of the Willie and Martin handcart companies and the Hunt and Hodgett wagon companies in 1856 and the Latter-day Saint migration west. Throughout the historic site, monuments, memorials, and sculptures commemorate the rescue. A trail loop leads to the eastern portion of the cove. Visitors may also hike a trail that leads to Devil’s Gate and explore the Sun Ranch at Devil’s Gate, a national historic landmark interpreting the homestead and cattle ranch that began on the site in 1872.
See the page Martin’s Cove: Mormon Trail Site for schedule, photos, and information about visiting.
Sixth Crossing: Mormon Trail Site
Sixth Crossing: Mormon Trail Site, located about 40 miles southeast of Lander, Wyoming, is the place where the Willie handcart company encountered the first rescue wagons in the fall of 1856. The location received the name Sixth Crossing because it was the spot where the Mormon Trail crossed the Sweetwater River for the sixth time.
The Sixth Crossing area features a visitors’ center 3 miles northeast of the river crossing that recounts the journey and eventual rescue of the Willie company.
See the page Sixth Crossing: Mormon Trail Site for information about visiting.
Rock Creek Hollow: Mormon Trail Site
The Rock Creek Hollow Mormon Trail Site, located about 38 miles south of Lander, Wyoming, is the place where the Willie handcart company sheltered after the difficult ascent of Rocky Ridge during a severe snowstorm in the fall of 1856.
In the 1850s, Rock Creek Hollow was a well-used campsite west of Rocky Ridge, a challenging segment of the Oregon-Mormon-California Trail that climbs 600 feet over a distance of about 3 miles.
Rock Creek Hollow now features a memorial honoring the Willie handcart company’s faith and sacrifice. It does not include a visitors’ center. During the summer months, missionaries greet visitors at Rock Creek Hollow and share stories related to the Willie handcart company’s crossing of Rocky Ridge. Also during the summer season, Latter-day Saints participate in trek reenactments at this site. For information about organizing a trek for a family or Church group at this historic site, click or tap here.
See the Rock Creek Hollow: Mormon Trail Site for more information.
Learn more about the Church’s historic sites at history.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Related articles:
- “What to Expect When You Visit the Church’s Historic Sites in Wyoming“
- “Trekking at the Wyoming Mormon Trail Sites“
- “Frequently Asked Questions about Trekking at the Wyoming Mormon Trail Sites“
- “Pioneer Journeys—More Than a Trek“
- “A Guide to Historic Sites of the Latter-day Restoration” published by the Church News.
The post A Visitor’s Guide to Church History Sites in Wyoming first appeared on LDS365: Resources from the Church & Latter-day Saints worldwide.
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