Part 11 – Pass Creek to Bridger Pass Station is now live.

After leaving Rattlesnake Canyon at Pass Creek Station, the trail headed off across the beginnings of desert country. After a stretch of alkali dust came the oasis at the dreaded crossing of the North Platte, then the desolate lands subject to some of the worst Indian danger of the entire Wyoming portion of the trail – this “Central Route” being selected as less susceptible to Indian attack than the original route over South Pass to the north. The stations from Sage Creek west of the North Platte to Bridger Pass Station were often abandoned due to Indian raids; cavalry escorts from Fort Halleck in the east and Fort Bridger in the west were common along this stretch.

When not under danger from Indian attack or bandits, there was always the boredom of long stretches of rough, waterless, unchanging desert landscape to occupy oneself.

Coming up next: Bridger Pass Station to Duck Lake Station