Independence Rock was one of the best-known natural landmarks on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Pioneer trails. William Sublette, a fur trader, is credited with naming the famous rock on July 4, 1830. Another tradition held that those traveling to Oregon who reached this point by July 4 would arrive in time to beat the winter snows. Numerous Latter-day Saints noted Independence Rock in their journals. It was near here that the trail met the Sweetwater River which could then be followed to South Pass. Independence Rock is located about fifty-five miles southwest of Casper, Wyoming.
