Are you on the hunt for a fascinating, little-known Wyoming destination? Visit the Alvah Unthank Gravesite in Glenrock where you’ll find a relic of the Oregon Trail in Wyoming along a busy highway in the heart of the Cowboy State.
Wyoming’s history is largely shaped by the Oregon Trail, California Trail, and other emigrant trails that brought thousands of migrants across the country in search of a better life.
Flickr / Jimmy Emerson DVM
The area around Casper is one of the best places to explore if you’re looking to dig into this fascinating time of migration!
Facebook / Glenrock Wyoming Chamber
Register Cliff is a landmark where you’ll find hundreds of signatures carved into the rock. Register Cliff, along with Independence Rock, served as a guestbook of the West and has helped historians paint a picture of life on the wagon trains.
Flickr / Bret Whaley
One of the most interesting relics along the route is the grave of the 19-year-old Alvah Unthank. Unthank left Indiana in 1850 on a wagon train bound for California.
Google Local / Clarence Bennett
Unthank and his group had an uneventful journey until a bout of cholera caused trouble. By the end of June, Alvah fell ill and struggled for his life. He passed away on July 2, 1850, and he was buried by his party along the trail.
Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office / Richard Collier
To this day, the carved gravestone of Alvah Unthank lies along the side of a Wyoming highway, and history buffs make the journey to pay their respects to this young pioneer.
Google Local / Clarence Bennett
If you’re interested in learning more about the Oregon Trail in Wyoming, explore the region around Guernsey and Casper, and then visit the National Historic Trails Center in Casper. It’s one of the best museums in the West.
Facebook / National Historic Trails Center
To learn about the National Historic Trails Center, read All About This Fascinating History Museum here. It’s one of the most engaging museums in the state and it’s a wonderful place to spend the day.
Flickr / Jimmy Emerson DVM
Facebook / Glenrock Wyoming Chamber
Flickr / Bret Whaley
Google Local / Clarence Bennett
Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office / Richard Collier
Facebook / National Historic Trails Center
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Address: Glenrock, WY 82637, USA
