Thousands of pioneers and gold prospectors passed that way. Their wagons, pulled by oxen or mules, carried everything they owned--and enough food to last several months. Many had to walk as there was no room in the wagon to ride.

There were lumbering freight wagons headed for Santa Fe, New Mexico. They carried tons of trade goods: bolts of fabric, boxes of tools and cookware. On a return trip a trader might carry coins, silver bars or gold dust--payment for goods sold.

Most of these travelers, having left Independence, Missouri, that morning, met their first major obstacle at the Blue River. Until 1859 there was no bridge. Crossing the river was hard on people and equipment. Wagons often stopped there to repair a broken axle or camp for the night.

The weight of the wagons, plus the multitudes of emigrants, traders and animals, left their mark in the land. The ruts, also known as swales, are still visible today.

A pink granite DAR marker was erected in about 1909 to commemorate the historic site.