From 1840 to 1869, over 350,000 emigrants traveled past this area on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. Drawn by the promise of free land, sudden riches, or religious freedom, these pioneers endured great hardships. Thousands died in the quest and are buried along this old pathway. Only two graves in Natrona County are identified by name as trail-dated burials, which is unusual because hundreds died while traveling through the county. Drowning, disease, and accidents took a toll in this area, especially between this point and Devil’s Gate. Migration peaked in 1852, when 70,000 persons passed this spot, most on their way to the California gold fields. These trails contributed to the largest overland migration in history.