The emigrants’ elation at reaching the “civilization” of the Fort after 650 miles of monotonous, difficult overland travel was soon tempered by the realization that even more troublesome trail conditions lay ahead over the final two-thirds of the journey. “Here comes the ascent to the Rocky Mountains,” wrote an apprehensive Cornelius Conway at mid-century.

To lighten their loads many travelers cast off thousands of dollars worth of food and equipment. This was especially true of the “49ers” who, in their haste to reach the gold fields, often invested little effort in planning their trip. Joseph Berrien reached Fort Laramie early, May 30, 1849, yet still referred to it as “Camp Sacrifice” because of the large quantities of abandoned gear and foodstuffs he saw nearby.

Between 1849 and 1854 an annual average of some 31,000 overlanders passed through or near the fort on their journey to Oregon, California, or Utah. Most passed on a trail marked by the ruts before you. Wagon travel near the Platte River, just to the north, was difficult due to seasonal high water and progressively more difficult terrain.