 In
July, 1856, a group of Mormon pioneers from England led by Edward Martin
left Iowa and embarked on the 1,200-mile wilderness trek to Salt Lake
City. Experts advised them that it was too late in the year to start,
and that they didn't have enough provisions. Many were too poor to purchase
horses and covered wagons, so they pulled their earthly belongings behind
them in carts.
The handcarts cracked and fell apart. The families needed to leave
behind the heaviest things, which happened to be blankets and winter
clothes.
In October, in southwestern Wyoming near what is now the town of Alcova,
the Martin party got trapped by a blizzard. After enduring sorrow and
suffering, 150 of the 600 in the group died of starvation and exposure.
The rest were rescued by a team from Salt Lake. |
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Below: Many
plaques with inscriptions defining the art on display around the grounds
of The Mormon Handcart Historic Site |
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The
Martin and Willey Handcart Companies experienced tremendous trials and
were rescued by the saints from Salt Lake City. The wagon shown below
lists the people on this journey, those who died and their age, and
the Rescue workers. |
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Although
most early pioneers traveled west using a covered wagon and a team of
oxen, there were many who couldn't afford such travel accommodations.
The less expensive handcart, much like a large shallow wheelbarrow,
allowed the poorer pioneers to afford the journey west. Because travel
was more difficult with a handcart, it became a familiar symbol of dedication
and duty to God. |
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Continue viewing the two RV Gypsies' adventures in Wyoming in the order they occurred - 
If you have already seen all of the 7 sites in Wyoming, please continue
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