Devil's Gate (Wyoming) facts for kids
Devil's Gate is a famous natural rock formation in Wyoming, United States. It's a deep gorge carved by the Sweetwater River. This amazing spot is about 5 miles (8 km) southwest of Independence Rock. Even though travelers didn't go through the narrowest part, Devil's Gate was a very important landmark. It guided pioneers on the Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail. It holds a special place in the history of the Mormon Trail.
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What is Devil's Gate?
Devil's Gate is a stunning example of how rivers can cut through solid rock. Imagine a river flowing over soft ground. Over time, the river cuts deeper and deeper. If it hits a hard rock like granite, it doesn't stop. Instead, it keeps cutting right through the rock! This is how the Sweetwater River carved a narrow, 100-meter (328 feet) deep slot through a tough granite ridge. It's pretty amazing because the river could have easily gone around the ridge. But it didn't!
How Was Devil's Gate Formed?
Long, long ago, the land around Devil's Gate was covered by soft dirt and sand. The Sweetwater River flowed over these softer layers. As the river kept flowing, it slowly wore away the dirt. Eventually, the river reached the hard granite rock underneath. Instead of changing its path, the river kept on cutting. It slowly carved the deep, narrow gorge we see today. This process is called erosion. It shows the incredible power of water over many thousands of years.
A Landmark for Pioneers
Devil's Gate was a crucial stop for thousands of pioneers. These brave people traveled west in the 1800s. They were looking for new homes and opportunities. The Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail were long, difficult journeys. Landmarks like Devil's Gate helped travelers know they were on the right path. It also gave them a sense of how far they had come.
The Mormon Handcart Companies
Devil's Gate is especially famous in the history of the Mormon Trail. In the mid-1800s, some Mormon pioneers traveled using handcarts. They pulled all their belongings themselves. In 1856, several handcart companies faced terrible winter storms near Devil's Gate. Many people suffered greatly from cold and hunger. Rescue teams from Salt Lake City helped save many lives. This event is a powerful story of courage and survival.
Visiting Devil's Gate Today
Today, you can visit Devil's Gate and learn about its history. The site is open to the public. You can reach it by hiking trails. These trails start from the Mormon Handcart Historical Center. This center is located at the Tom Sun Ranch. You can also get there from the old Wyoming Highway 220. Devil's Gate is about 60 miles (97 km) from Casper. It's a great place to imagine what life was like for the pioneers. It helps us understand their incredible journeys.
Images for kids
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Devil's Gate. By Samuel C. Mills, August 1858.
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Devil's Gate. By William Henry Jackson, 1870.
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Mormon Handcart Historical Center
