Martin's Cove facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Martin's Cove
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Martin's Cove, Wyoming
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| Location | Southwest of Casper, Wyoming, US |
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| Nearest city | Alcova, Wyoming, US |
| Visitation | 100,000+ (2005) |
| NRHP reference No. | 77001383 |
| Added to NRHP | March 8, 1977 |
Martin's Cove is a special historical place in Wyoming. It covers about 933 acres (3.8 square kilometers). This important site is located southwest of Casper, Wyoming. It sits right on the famous Mormon Trail. It is also part of the larger Oregon Trail, which many pioneers used long ago. Martin's Cove was officially recognized as a historic place on March 8, 1977.
Contents
History of Martin's Cove
The Martin Handcart Company
In November 1856, about 500 Mormon pioneers faced a terrible challenge. They were part of the Martin Handcart Company. They were traveling to Salt Lake City using handcarts. Their journey had started very late in the year, on July 28, 1856. This late start made their trip very dangerous.
As they reached Martin's Cove, a severe snowstorm hit. The pioneers were stuck there for five days. It was freezing cold, and many people suffered. Sadly, more than 145 members of the company died before reaching Salt Lake City.
Rescue and Survival
Just before they reached the cove, a small rescue team found them. This team brought food, supplies, and wagons. Brigham Young, the leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had sent them. On November 4, the company and rescuers crossed the freezing Sweetwater River. They then found shelter in Martin's Cove.
That evening, a strong wind blew down their tents. They set the tents up again, but a blizzard brought heavy snow. The company stayed in the camp for five days. They could not move because of the deep snow and cold. Many of their cattle died there, frozen by the cold. When the weather finally warmed on November 9, they could continue their journey. With help from more rescue teams, the survivors reached Salt Lake City on November 30.
Later Travelers
After this event, many other pioneers passed by Martin's Cove. They were heading to Utah, California, and Oregon. Pony Express riders also used this route. In the 1870s, a frontiersman named Tom Sun bought the land. He started the Tom Sun Ranch in the area.
Ownership of the Site
Efforts to Purchase Land
In the 1990s, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bought the nearby Tom Sun Ranch. They then tried to buy Martin's Cove itself. The Church wanted to manage it as a historical site. In 2002, a bill in the United States Congress proposed selling the land. It passed the United States House of Representatives. However, it stopped in the United States Senate.
Concerns and Lease Agreement
Some people worried about selling public land to a religious group. The land included areas used by many different groups. These included pioneer trains, the Pony Express, and other landmarks like Devil's Gate. Because of these concerns, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) had to find another solution. The BLM is part of the Interior Department.
In 2004, the BLM and the Church signed a long-term lease. This agreement allowed the Church to manage and care for the property for 25 years.
Changes After a Lawsuit
In 2006, a lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) led to some changes. The BLM had to remove religious references from the site. The Church also had to provide a public entrance to the cove. This entrance had to be separate from their Visitors' Center. The Church's volunteers at the site also had new rules. They could only answer questions. They were not allowed to approach visitors to share their beliefs.
Martin's Cove Today
About 100,000 people visit Martin's Cove each year. Most of these visitors are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Every year, thousands of LDS youth take part in "Handcart Treks."
Handcart Treks
These Treks are special trips through the area near Martin's Cove. Participants dress in old-fashioned clothes. They spend several days pulling handcarts. They also camp out along the Mormon Trail. The highlight of their Trek is visiting Martin's Cove. They also visit nearby Devil's Gate and the LDS Visitors' Center. It's a way for them to experience a small part of what the pioneers went through.
