Last updated: July 14, 2026
Place
Simpsons Hollow
Photo/L Kreutzer
Quick Facts
Location:
The interpretive turnout is on north side of westbound WY-28, 12 miles west of Farson, WY. GPS 42.018039 -109.590847
Significance:
The Nauvoo Legion (also called the Mormon Militia) attacked and burned a train of US army supply wagons at Simpson’s Hollow on Oct. 5, 1857. It was a significant action in the Utah War, a 2-year conflict between Latter-day Saints and the federal government that temporarily shut down the overland trails.
Designation:
Historic site on the California and Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trails.
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
4 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Scenic View/Photo Spot
Near this place on Oct. 5, 1857, a militia of Latter-day Saints destroyed a supply train carrying provisions for US soldiers, who were escorting a newly appointed governor to Utah Territory. It was one of several Nauvoo Legion raids on government wagon trains along the overland trail in the area. The harassment, ordered by Brigham Young, was intended to deprive the troops of food and delay their entrance to the Salt Lake Valley, where Latter-day Saints regarded them as a hostile force coming to drive them from their home.
The site of the attack became known as Simpson’s Hollow, named for wagon train captain Lewis Simpson, who was forced to surrender his wagons to the attackers. Militiamen burned two other supply trains along the trail in southwest Wyoming, destroying a total of 76 wagons and 368,000 lbs. of rations, and driving off loose livestock. They also burned church-owned Fort Bridger trading post and nearby Fort Supply, a Latter-day Saint Indian mission, so that federal soldiers could not shelter there over the winter. The tensions, which began when the soldiers set out from Fort Leavenworth, Kan., in July, likely contributed to a drop In California emigration numbers in 1858.
Wayside exhibits, a monument, and a Wyoming state historical marker at a WY-28 turnout 12 miles west of Farson tell about the raids and the 2-year conflict known as the Utah War. A footpath behind the turnout leads to original wagon ruts, marked by concrete posts, o public lands where visitors can explore.
Site Information
Location (The interpretive turnout is on north side of westbound WY-28, 12 miles west of Farson, WY. GPS 42.018039 -109.590847)