Flagstaff Hill

Flagstaff Hill was another difficult strain on the wagon trains. Almost everyone was physically and emotionally exhausted by this time. Most of the emigrants had left Missouri in late April, early May. It was sometimes the middle to end of September by the time they reached Flagstaff Hill. Many months had already passed, and there was still rough terrain to cross. Many animals had already died along the way. In places, dead animals literally littered the trails. A great number of people had died also, and often, due to the unceasing need keep moving west, the deceased were hastily buried along the trail.

When the overlanders reached the summit of Flagstaff Hill, they saw the beautiful Baker Valley spreading out below them--full of grass and water, but they also saw the awesome snow-covered Blue Mountains rising up in the distance. Despite the serenity of the Baker Valley below them, the travelers knew that they still had many hard miles ahead of them.

Page Navigation

Top of page

History Menu Bar

Education Menu Bar

Main Menu Bar

Privacy & Disclaimer
Webmaster: Renee Rusler
Last modified on: January 31, 2004