Midway Station Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Midway Station Site
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Nearest city | Rawlins, Wyoming |
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Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
Built | 1850 |
NRHP reference No. | 78002819 |
Added to NRHP | December 6, 1978 |
The Midway Station Site was once an important stop along the historic Overland Trail in Carbon County, Wyoming. Built in 1850, this station got its name because it was halfway between the towns of Saratoga and Walcott. It served as a vital resting place on a busy route used by stagecoaches and pioneers traveling west. Today, you won't see buildings standing, only faint dips in the ground where the station once was. This special place was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 6, 1978, helping to protect its history.
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What Was Midway Station?
Midway Station was a "way station," which means it was a stopping point along a long travel route. Imagine a gas station or a rest stop today, but for people traveling by horse, wagon, or stagecoach! These stations were super important for travelers in the 1800s. They offered a place to rest, get fresh horses, and sometimes even grab a meal or spend the night.
A Stop on the Overland Trail
The Overland Trail was a famous route across the western United States. It was used by thousands of pioneers, settlers, and stagecoaches heading to new lands. This trail was a bit like an old highway, connecting different parts of the country. Midway Station was one of many stops along this long and challenging journey.
The trail was especially busy during the mid-1800s. People were moving west for many reasons, like finding gold, getting land, or starting new lives. The Overland Trail helped them get there.
Why Were Way Stations Important?
Way stations like Midway were essential for several reasons. First, they provided fresh horses for stagecoaches. Horses could only run so far before they needed a break. Swapping tired horses for fresh ones helped keep the journey moving quickly.
Second, these stations offered safety and supplies. Traveling through the wilderness was dangerous. Stations provided a place to rest, eat, and get water. They were also places where mail could be dropped off or picked up. For many travelers, seeing a way station meant they were closer to their destination.
Preserving History: National Register
The Midway Station Site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government. When a place is on this list, it means it's important to the history of the country. It helps protect these sites so future generations can learn from them.
Being on the National Register doesn't mean the government owns the land. It just means the site is recognized for its historical value. It encourages people to preserve and respect these important places.
What Can You See Today?
Today, if you visit the Midway Station Site, you won't find any buildings. The station was built in 1850, and over time, the structures disappeared. What remains are "depressions in the earth." These are like shallow dents or hollows in the ground. They show where buildings or other features once stood.
Even without buildings, these depressions tell a story. They remind us of the people who traveled the Overland Trail. They also show us where a busy and important station once helped pioneers on their long journey. It's a quiet reminder of a very active past.