Independence Rock

On any summer evening in July hundreds of emigrants could be found swarming all over Independence Rock, chiseling messages to others following behind. Many of the emigrants arrived here on the fourth of July, and that was cause for celebration. Pies were baked and revelry was shared.

Emigrant James Nesmith:
"Had the pleasure of waiting on five or six young ladies to pay a visit to Independence Rock. I had the satisfaction of putting the names of Miss Mary Zachary and Miss Jane Mills on the southeast point of the rocks."

Emigrant Margaret Hecox:
"Being the fourth of July, we concluded to lay by and celebrate the day. The children had no fireworks, but we all joined in singing patriotic songs and shared in a picnic lunch."

After a day of festivities, the western trek continued following the Sweetwater River.

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