The Travelers
For more than four decades, tens of thousands of travelers camped here. The Lone Elm campground was one or two nights out from the frontier "jumping off" points on the Missouri River. The great lone elm tree that gave this frontier campground its lasting name served as a landmark for this famous rendezvous point along the western trails.
The travelers were diverse. Some would become legendary, some were seeking profit by the freighting trade, some would succumb to hardships and tragedy, and some wanted the opportunity for free land and a new start in Oregon and California. The land could be harsh. Stream crossings were hazardous. Disease and infections were common. Cholera was feared; the microscopic bacterium would cause severe dehydration resulting frequently in death.
"This morning we buried John N. Collins, a private in Captain Turney's company. His grave is situated on the right hand of the road about 150 yards east of the 'Lone Elm' the only tree to be seen on the prairie for miles around..."
- Private Benjamin Wiley
July 14, 1847 excerpt from his journal during the Mexican War.
Courtesy of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
The Famous
A bold and adventurous 14 year old runaway joined a caravan heading down the Santa Fe Trail in 1826. What must have been in his mind as his traveling party set up camp at Lone Elm? Did he understand that this early experience would begin defining his life? In 1842, John C. Fremont would hire him as the guide for his survey party to the Pacific. In 1846 this now famous frontiersman would guide General Stephen Kearny and his troops in the Mexican War. Described as an unassuming man with implacable courage...mountain man...scout...Indian agent...the 14 year old runaway who became a legend was Kit Carson
The Infamous
Traders, trappers and frontiersman would interact with emigrants and gold seekers. Because of the uncertainties of trail travel, the exchange of stories provided advice and comfort to those traveling for the first time. However, it could also provide a chilling premonition of things yet to be experienced.
"...We arrived at a camp called the Lone Elm, across the Missouri line. This place was thought to be the limit of civilization, at this camp we met some hunters returning with furs & they gave us some dried buffalo meat and told us that we had no idea of what we would suffer before we reached California. This prediction proved too true - At this camp was a Elm tree the only tree of any kind in sight. I shall never forget the lonliness of the scene boy though I was at the time.
- John Breen
14 year old John Breen, camped at Lone Elm in 1846 with the Donner-Reed party. Excerpt from his book Pioneer Memoirs (1877).
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