This daring story embodies the American virtues of resilience, community, service, and faith.

In the summer of 1856, four companies of Mormon pioneers began their journey west to the Salt Lake Valley. Having started late, these companies (the Willie and Martin handcart companies, and the Hunt and Hodgetts wagon companies) became trapped by early snowfall in mid-October still hundreds of miles away from Salt Lake. Thankfully, Church Predisent Brigham Young had been alerted that these pioneers were still out on the plains by a group of missionaries travelling back to Salt Lake by stagecoach. Upon learning this, President Young immediately called for Church members in Salt Lake to load their wagons with supplies and go ensure the pioneers made it safely to the valley. On October 19th, the first rescuers reached the Willie company buried in snow at the sixth crossing of the Sweetwater River, about 40 miles southeast of modern Lander, WY. The Martin company, along with the Hunt and Hodgetts companies, was further behind, and the rescuers did not reach them until October 28th, just west of modern Casper, WY.

Despite incredible odds, the timely arrival of the rescuers ensured that the large majority of the pioneers made it safely to Salt Lake. Without the rescue, it is doubtful whether any could have survived.

More of the history of these companies and their rescue can be found on the website for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (this special event station is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Church).

On their way to Salt Lake, the Martin handcart company and their rescuers found shelter for several days in a natural cove in the Granite Mountains of central Wyoming. This cove, now known as Martin's Cove has come to be a symbol of the rescue. We will be operating from near the Wyoming Mormon Trails Historic Site, just outside of Martin's Cove.