Independence Rock State Historical Site

If you plan to visit the Martins Cove area and learn about Pioneer History this might be a fun place to stop.

Independence Rock landmark is on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. The Westward travelers used Independence Rock to make sure they were in the right location and at the right time of year to help them stay out of the harsh winters. The travelers tried to be at Independence Rock by July 4 and that is what gave the rock the name “Independence Rock.”

Travelers inscribed their names on the rock and that gave the area the name “unofficial registrar of the desert.”

Today, you can go and read the names of the westward travelers etched onto the rock. Some of the dates go back to 1820! Pretty cool!