After six days, at what is today, Fort Caspar, the pioneers resumed their journey west this June 19, 1847. They left the North Platte River to travel overland toward the Sweetwater River. Along the established Oregon Trail and past landmark called "Emigrant Gap."

Through the "Avenue of Rocks" or "Devil's Backbone" as some called it. More than 21 miles this day, the farthest yet in a single day through barren, dry and broken country, to this place.

Wilford Woodruff:

"OUR CAMPING PLACE FOR THE NIGHT WAS THE MOST WRETCHED OF ANY GROUND WE HAVE FOUND ON THE WAY. PRESIDENT YOUNG THOUGHT IT MIGHT PROPERLY BE CALLED 'HELL GATE.'"

Bad water from this saline stream added to their misery.