2005 OCTA Convention - I-80 West From Wyoming

GETTING TO SALT LAKE CITY

Sites and Sights Along the Way
By Dr. Jay Aldous

Interstate 15, West From Wyoming

Fort Bridger, Wyoming (Exit 34): Fort Bridger is one of the most important sites in the history of the west. Situated on the Oregon Trail, California Trail, Mormon Trail, Pony Express, Overland Stage, Lincoln Highway, Transcontinental Telegraph, and the Interstate Highway system, much of transcontinental traffic passed through here. This was the beginning of Hastings Cutoff and the last chance the Donner Party had to stay on the California Trail. Fort Bridger is an interesting place to visit.
Castle Rock (Exit 185): Hastings Cutoff joins the highway east of this point having come from Yellow Creek after crossing the Bear River further east.
Rest Area (Exit 170 ): During the Utah War, fortifications were constructed to block the passage of the Utah Expedition on cliffs on the west side of the canyon

Location in Echo Canyon of militia fortifications.

Click thumbnail for larger photo.

Echo Junction (Exit 169): Routes divide near here. The Donner Trail, Pony Express, and sometimes Overland Stage turns south at Henefer; the railroad, Bryant-Russell, Harlan-Young Trails, and sometimes Lincoln Highway continue down Weber Canyon. The Golden Pass Road, sometimes Overland Stage, and at one time the Lincoln Highway turn south up the Weber.
Coalville (Exit 164): Lt. James Hervey Simpson developed a road for the Utah Expedition that would bypass Echo Canyon.
Wanship (Exit 156): The Golden Pass Road, Overland Stage, Lincoln Highway, and Simpson’s Route passed through here. A Lincoln Highway marker may be seen in Wanship.
Park City (Exit 145): Park City, once a booming mining town, is now a world renowned skiing resort. Park City’s mines produced more silver than the Comstock Load of Nevada and made many fortunes.

Old railroad grade in Parley's Canyon.

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Salt Lake City (I-15 Exit 310): Your destination for an enjoyable visit at the Crossroads of the West 2005 OCTA Convention.

Additional Information:
Allen Kent Powell. The Utah Guide, 2^nd. Edition, Fulcrum Publishing, Golden, 1998.

Peter H. DeLafosse, Editor. Trailing the Pioneers, Utah State University Press, Logan., 1994.

Charles Kelly. Salt Desert Trails, Western Epics, Inc., Salt Lake City, 1996.

Bill Weir. Utah Handbook, Moon Publications Inc, Chico, 1991.

Tom and Gayen Wharton. Utah, Compass American Guides, Inc., Oakland, 1991.