The main group of pioneers crossed the Continental Divide at South Pass this June 27, 1847. They stopped for noon on a muddy creek.

Wilford Woodruff:

"I DRANK ITS WATERS. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE I TASTED THE WATERS RUNNING INTO THE PACIFIC."

A mountain man traveled with them this day. Major Harris had spent more than 20-years in the west. He didn't have much good to say about the country around the Great Salt Lake.

William Clayton:

"WE GENERALLY FEEL THAT WE SHALL KNOW BEST BY GOING OURSELVES, FOR THE REPORTS OF TRAVELERS ARE SO CONTRADICTORY IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW WHICH IS THE TRUTH WITHOUT GOING TO PROVE IT."

Another month, and they would see the valley for themselves.