A strong wind blowing downstream increased the difficulty of ferrying wagons across the North Platte this June 15, 1847.

This is a replica of the raft made by the pioneers. Its displayed here on the grounds of Old Fort Casper, very close to the spot where the ferrying operation took place.

Artwork in the fort's museum suggests how the ferry worked. One wagon at a time, loaded onto the raft. Initially, the current carried the raft downstream and across to the other side. Then horses or oxen would slowly tow the empty raft back upstream.

Later, though, the ferry operators developed a system of pulleys which made the job easier.