Big Hill ascent, 1999

Theodore Talbot, September 7, 1843

"We went a few miles farther when we had to cross a very high hill, which is said to be the greatest impediment on the whole route from the United States to Fort Hall. The ascent is very long and tedious, but the descent is still more abrupt and difficult."

The Journals of Theodore Talbot, 1843 and 1849-52, edited, with notes, by Charles H. Carey (Portland, Oregon: Metropolitan Press, Publishers, 1931).

Margaret A. Frink, July 6, 1850

"We started at six o'clock, forded Thomas Fork, and turning to the west, came to a high spur we were compelled to climb. The distance is seven miles, and we were five hours in crossing. Part of the way I rode on horseback, the rest I walked. The descent was very long and steep. All the wheels of the wagon were tied fast, and it slid along the ground. At one place the men held it back with ropes and let it down slowly."

"The Journal of Margaret A. Frink," Covered Wagon Women, 2:58-166.

Eliza Ann McAuley, July 15, 1852

"Just before coming to the River we had the hardest mountain to cross on the whole route. It was very steep and difficult to climb, and we had to double teams going up and at the summit we had to un-hitch the teams and let the wagons down over a steep, smooth sliding rock by ropes wound around trees on the side of the road. Some trees nearly cut through the ropes."

"The Record of Eliza Ann McAuley," Covered Wagon Women, 4:36-81.

The Oregon Trail followed the Bear River into the Thomas Fork area, where the emigrants encountered Big Hill. Big Hill had a tough ascent and a very steep descent.

Directions: Montpelier, Idaho. US HWY 30/Alton Road for the east side of Big Hill.

Must See: The National Oregon/California Interpretive Center in the town of Montpelier.

Big Hill descent, 1999

Current Observations/Journal Entry:

"Montpelier—we've arrived at our destination! It has been a long day and it is not over yet! We check in to the hotel, then dart off to see the new OregonTrail interpretive center and drive out to Big Hill...no dinner yet! The interpretive center was neat— staff/volunteers wore period clothing. They helped prepare you for and escorted you along the Oregon Trail— selecting a firearm or rifle, packing a wagon, shop a store with goods, ride in a wagon, talk with other 'emigrants' in an 'encampment.' Next we head out to Big Hill and Wyoming; the mosquitoes are large and plentiful! We take numerous photographs of both sides of Big Hill, then head back to Montpelier for dinner."

Montpelier, ca. 1895. #ISHS 63-176.42