This is one attraction that looks like there is absolutely nothing there. Maybe that’s why visitors don’t flock to this area in the state. It’s pretty ironic that this one imperceptible spot in Wyoming is one of the most significant sites in the history of the United States.

Wikipedia/SA 3.0 South Pass consists of two mountain passes along the Continental Divide in southwestern Wyoming. The pass is located in a broad low region with prairie and sagebrush. This is South Pass seen from the east looking west.

Wikipedia/Ericshawwhite South Pass is located between the Wind River Range to the north, Oregon Buttes and the Great Divide Basin to the south. The pass provides a natural crossing point through the Rockies.

Wikipedia/Randy C. Bunney, Great Circle Photographics, CC BY-SA 2.5 This pass became a historic route for emigrants traveling West during the 19th Century along the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails.This was a much less treacherous crossing than the alternative further north.

Flickr/m01229 The Oregon Trail snakes from South Pass to Pacific Springs. This direct land route was a godsend to those traveling west along this trail.

Wikipedia/Phaldo This gateway is one of the most significant passages in the U.S. Not only did emigrants use the trail but Native Americans, mountain men, Pony Express riders and miners used it as well.

Flickr/m01229 Mining played an important role in the South Pass Region. Gold was first discovered in 1842 but gold fever didn’t ignite until 1867. Pictured is the Carissa Mine.

Flickr/m01229 Prospectors flooded the area and the towns of South Pass City, Atlantic City and Miner’s Delight The towns reached their peak during this time.

Flickr/m01229 The boom died out quickly and people began leaving the area in the early 1870s. Here is one of the remaining mining buildings.

Flickr/m01229 Thanks to the State of Wyoming, visitors can experience the journey from long ago and the ambience of a mining town.

Flickr/m01229 Without South Pass, the entire history of the United States would have been rewritten.

Flickr/m01229 South Pass is accessible via Wyoming Highway 28. The modern day highway is a stark contrast to the visible wagon ruts.

For other areas in the state to escape the crowds, check out 10 Perfect Places In Wyoming For People Who Hate Crowds.

Wikipedia/SA 3.0

South Pass consists of two mountain passes along the Continental Divide in southwestern Wyoming. The pass is located in a broad low region with prairie and sagebrush. This is South Pass seen from the east looking west.

Wikipedia/Ericshawwhite

South Pass is located between the Wind River Range to the north, Oregon Buttes and the Great Divide Basin to the south. The pass provides a natural crossing point through the Rockies.

Wikipedia/Randy C. Bunney, Great Circle Photographics, CC BY-SA 2.5

This pass became a historic route for emigrants traveling West during the 19th Century along the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails.This was a much less treacherous crossing than the alternative further north.

Flickr/m01229

The Oregon Trail snakes from South Pass to Pacific Springs. This direct land route was a godsend to those traveling west along this trail.

Wikipedia/Phaldo

This gateway is one of the most significant passages in the U.S. Not only did emigrants use the trail but Native Americans, mountain men, Pony Express riders and miners used it as well.

Mining played an important role in the South Pass Region. Gold was first discovered in 1842 but gold fever didn’t ignite until 1867. Pictured is the Carissa Mine.

Prospectors flooded the area and the towns of South Pass City, Atlantic City and Miner’s Delight The towns reached their peak during this time.

The boom died out quickly and people began leaving the area in the early 1870s. Here is one of the remaining mining buildings.

Thanks to the State of Wyoming, visitors can experience the journey from long ago and the ambience of a mining town.

Without South Pass, the entire history of the United States would have been rewritten.

South Pass is accessible via Wyoming Highway 28. The modern day highway is a stark contrast to the visible wagon ruts.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.