Mile 1390- Independence Rock and Devil’s Gate

1870
Independence Rock and Devil’s gate are two more landmarks, both located in modern day Wyoming, that Robert’s party would have encountered during their journey west. Independence rock is a large rock formation that stands about 1900 feet long, 850 feet wide and 130 feet high. This rock was signed by many western pioneers who would carve their names into the side of the formation. It was said that Independence Rock was a landmark that had to be reached by July 4th in order to ensure enough time to make it to California or Oregon before the first mountain snowfall.


Devil’s Gate, also in modern day Wyoming was another landmark for mountain men and later pioneers of the West. The Sweetwater River carved a gorge in this granite rock formation that is only 30 feet wide at its base. It was too narrow to allow for wagons to pass through however, because it was regarded as a natural wonder by many who saw it, it was also a popular location for many traveling west to carve their names.

