What was the halfway point for travelers on the Oregon Trail?

South Pass marks the halfway point of the Oregon Trail, which stretches from Independence, Missouri to Oregon City, Oregon. Unlike Scotts Bluff or Independence Rock, other landmarks along the way, the pass, located in Southwestern Wyoming, lacks any of the distinguishing features which we usually expect of a “landmark”.

Nearly 1.5 miles (2.4 km) above sea level, South Pass is actually comprised of two passes which, together, furnish a natural crossing point of the Rockies. Despite the altitude, South Pass was still the lowest pass on the Continental Divide between the Central and Southern Rocky Mountains. It was at this point that the emigrants were halfway to their destination. At the same time they crossed the divide, they also crossed (what was at the time) the eastern boundary of the Oregon Territory. Sadly, it was not to be all downhill for the weary travelers after South Pass; there would be more treacherous mountain ranges and rivers to cross before reaching their destination.

Nevertheless, South Pass furnished a natural crossing point of the Rockies, and became the preferred westward route for emigrants on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails during the 19th century.

South Pass was first traversed in 1812 by European-American explorers who were seeking a safer way to return from the West Coast than the one they had used when headed westward.

It was designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark on January 20, 1961.