Muddy Creek Camp and Crossing
The Muddy Creek Camp, which was northwest of
this marker and on the west side of the Muddy Creek,
was used by Brigham Young's first group of
Mormon pioneers who arrived here on July 9,
1847. Thomas Bullock reported that the
brethren sang hymns for President Brigham Young, and they had a
delightful evening. This camp had good water and plenty of grass,
and the animals were well-fed by the tall bunch-grass growing along
the creek. Erastus Snow described the campground as "very pretty."
It was one of the most heavily used camps on the Overland-
Mormon-California-Pony Express Trails. Approximately 70,000
Mormon pioneers crossed, passed through, or camped at
Muddy Creek Campground. The U.S. Army camped here
with 2,000 men in June of 1858. Both the Martin and Willie
handcart companies crossed here in November of 1856
while traveling with rescue wagons. The Muddy Overland
Stage Stop and Pony Express Station were located at this site, and
foundation stones may still be seen along the west bank of Muddy
Creek. The road by this marker was the original Transcontinental
Railroad bed of 1869. The Transcontinental Telegraph, automobile
road, and stageline either go through the campground or are very
nearby, making Muddy Creek Camp and important part of this area's
history.
