Visit to Martin's Cove

Martin's Cove was a powerful experience for us.  It created two opposing emotions.  The first was a feeling of sadness for the horrific suffering that the saints in the handcart companies endured.  Over 20% of the people died from hunger, exhaustion and exposure.  The second was the feeling of admiration for the saints that survived the experience.  Many of the journals and testimonies stated that even though things were difficult beyond measure, they were grateful to be able to come closer to God because of it. They set an example for us to be able to deal better with our challenges and problems that are minor when compared to theirs. The following pictures only scratch the surface to depth of feelings that come from visiting this holy place.

Martin Cove welcome sign

Example of a old fashioned log cabin

Original ranch building

Ranch owner's house

This property was homesteaded by the Sun family in 1872.  It was a successful working ranch for over a hundred years.  In 1995 President Hinckley asked someone to see if the Sun family would like to sell the ranch.  Before the person could do that a member of the Sun family contacted the church to see if they would like to buy the ranch.  An agreement was reached and the church bought the property with the provision that the church would respect the memory of the Sun Family.  These pictures show how well they have maintained the property.

A restored bunk cabin

Handcart

Handcart and hand pulled wagon

Marge and Norm next to handcart

We were glad we were traveling by car rather than by handcart.  The temperature while we were there was 38 compared to the near zero temperature for the handcart travelers.

Independence Rock

Independence Rock helped guide the pioneers on their westward journey.  The Mormon trail, the hand cart trail, the Oregon trail and the California gold rush trail all followed the same route until they crossed the Continental Divide at South Pass.  This passage was shown to Jim Bridger by the Indians as the best way to go West.

Devil's Gate

This gap in the rocks was a landmark for the pioneers and the Indians.  By this point most of the climb in elevation had been made.

Martin's Cove

We didn't take time to hike all the way down to the cove.  It was cold and windy and we didn't have the time.  It is a little hard to tell from this picture, but the smooth land in the foreground is a sand dune which leads to a drop-off where the trees and mountains start. This lower level provided a cove of protection from the wind.

 

Sweetwater River

The Sweet Water River was a challenge to the hand cart companies because of the ice cold water and high level it was flowing at.  Three young men from the rescue party carried the weary travelers across the river one at a time.  Because of the exposure all three died from this heroic act.  Brigham Young when he heard about this stated that because of this act, all three will be saved in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom.  The church built a new visitors center about six miles from Martin's Cove about a year ago to commemorate the handcart companies and these three young men.