The city block now known as Washington Square was called Emigrant Square during the 1850s and 60s, and covered-wagon emigrants who planned to spend any time in Salt Lake City were required to camp there, where they could rest their livestock and replenish supplies. On July 28, 1864, the Reverend John G. Fackler wrote that the whole train arrived about 9 o'clock and camped in Emigration Square in a dusty place full of horses and wagons from the states, and that many old acquaintances came into camp to congratulate them on their safe arrival. In 1859 Captain James H. Simpson led an expedition that opened a new route between Salt Lake City and California, known as the Central Overland Trail, and Emigrant Square was the beginning point of that route. During its short history, the route was used by the Pony Express, the Overland Stage, and significant numbers of California-bound emigrants.