In 1858. Frederick W. Lander began surveying and construction for the first federally funded road west of the Mississippi to provide a better route for emigrants headed to California. Oregon. and a new life on the frontier. Today. I would like to recognize the historical role the Lander Trail played in Wyoming and the American West. It was tough going for emigrants going west in the 1850s. The dangerous journey halfway across the country could take 6 months or more. After the Lander Trail was completed. it was a better road through easier territory. Emigrants headed to California or Oregon could cut 7 days off their journey by following the Lander Trail. and there were good sources of food. water. and forage for livestock along the way. Thirteen thousand people traveled the Lander Trail on their way to homestead in western territories or to pan for gold in California. The Lander Trail is part of the National Historic Trails system and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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