1855 Map

The map above was published in New York in 1855 the year before the Willie and Martin Companies began their long trek from England. Since the Martin Company sailed into the port of New York, it is likely that they had a map just like this one to follow as they embarked on their trek. I can imagine the days and nights spent studying the map, wondering "how much further" and what lay ahead.

While the map is not very detailed (click on it to see it larger), it does show points on which the pioneers could get their bearings. Places like "Court House Rock", "Chimney Rock", "Scotts Bluff" and the exotic "Fort Laramie" excite the imagination and give hope to weary travelers.

If you look on the right hand side up approximately one third from the bottom, you'll see Omaha City (Florence) right across from Council Bluffs. Follow the Nebraska or Platte River from just below Omaha City (right to left) continuing up the North Fork of Platte R. and you'll see the approximate route taken by the pioneers.

Just past Ft. Laramie, you'll see "Devils Gate" and the Sweetwater River that you follow to Ft. Bridger and on into the Salt Lake Valley. While there are lots of other maps, I find this one quaint because of the spelling of "Kanzas"

If you'd like to follow a "day by day" account of the journey taken from actual trek journals, you can click on http://handcart.byu.edu/ This site was set up in 2006 for the 150 year celebration of the Trek.