Since we were driving from Idaho back to Pennsylvania the end of July, we decided to take a detour in Wyoming and see Martin's Cove. Visiting Nauvoo had been special to me because of my ancestors who had lived there, and Martin's Cove was likewise meaningful to Curt. His great great grandfather, John Toone, had been a part of the Martin Handcart Co. that was rescued at this cove. He had made the trek to Utah earlier in a wagon train, but had since left his family there to serve a mission in England. At Brigham Young's request, he and other returning missionaries had travelled with the handcart companies who had started their trek across the country late in the year. 145 of their company died before reaching Salt Lake City, including many at Martin's Cove.
A wonderful missionary couple welcomed us to the Visitor's Center, which felt like hallowed ground.
The names in yellow are those who died on the way.
After watching a couple of emotional films about these brave pioneers, we walked around the grounds.
The break in the rock is called Devil's Gate, which the infamous Sweetwater River runs through.
Thousands of people come to Martin's Cove each summer to experience their own trek reenactments. There was one group just leaving, and another returning.
I'm so grateful for our pioneer ancestors! I recently realized that 14 of my 16 great great grandparents joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Europe in the mid 1800's. Then they each came to America to join the Saints, and made their way across the country to eventually settle in Utah. I'm amazed at their testimonies and faith; their determination and resilience. Both Curtis and I feel very blessed to have such a strong pioneer heritage to pass on to our children.
