Late in the emigration, the ninth, and last, crossing of the Sweetwater River was known
variously
as Gilbert’s Station, Upper Sweetwater Station, South Pass Station, and
finally, Burnt Ranch. The site served as a rest and relay station for the
Concord coaches, the Pony Express and telegraph lines. It was here that
the Seminoe Cutoff rejoined the original
trail and where the Lander Road branched
off.
Because of the key
role it played in protecting both emigrant and military traffic as well
as the telegraph lines, the station became a favorite target for the Indians.
A unit of the 11th Ohio Volunteers was 
stationed
here between 1862 and 1868 to guard the emigrants and telegraph lines.
They were frequently harassed by the Indians. In 1868, they finally abandoned
the station and, shortly thereafter, the Indians burned it to the ground,
giving it its lasting name.
A number of emigrants
are known to have been buried in this area, including those of Charles
Miller, Joe Barnette, and a Mrs. Bryan. Unfortunately, several of the
graves have been vandalized.
Ownership
Private
Directions
Fremont County, Wyoming. T28N/R100W
National Park Service
Comprehensive Management Plan
There are no known threats to the site. The site has been nominated
for inclusion on the National Register.
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