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Annotated By Colonel George Ruhlen
This 1913 geological map of Wyoming, compiled by R. B. Marshall (Chief Geographer) and A. F. Hassan (Cartographer), serves as a detailed representation of the region’s geological features. Historian Colonel George Ruhlen (see biography below) has meticulously traced the route of the Oregon Trail and important subsidiary route of historical importance on this map, marking significant historical landmarks in pencil.
Key Locations along the Oregon Trail Noted By Colonel Ruhlen
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Mormon Ferry: Established in the 1840s by Mormon pioneers, this ferry facilitated the crossing of the North Platte River, playing a crucial role in the migration westward.
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Old Ford: A fording site used by pioneers to cross the Green River.
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Sublette's Cutoff: This shortcut, pioneered by fur trapper William Sublette, allowed emigrants to save time by bypassing Fort Bridger, though it meant crossing harsh desert terrain.
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Lombard Ferry: Another essential river crossing point, providing a safe passage over the Green River for thousands of emigrants heading to Oregon, California, and Utah.
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Little Sandy Crossing: A pivotal campsite and water source for travelers, marking the beginning of the Sublette Cutoff and a critical decision point for many pioneers.
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Three Crossings: A notorious section where the Sweetwater River was crossed three times in rapid succession, posing significant challenges to wagons and livestock.
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Fremont’s Independence Rock: Named after explorer John C. Fremont, this massive granite outcrop served as a landmark and gathering place for pioneers, with many inscribing their names on its surface.
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Split Rock: A notable landmark resembling a split boulder, it served as a guidepost for emigrants navigating the vast Wyoming landscape.
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Devil’s Gate: A narrow, dramatic gorge cut by the Sweetwater River through the Rattlesnake Mountains, it was a significant and awe-inspiring landmark for travelers.
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Independence Rock: Known as the "Great Register of the Desert," this granite monolith was a key milestone for emigrants aiming to reach it by Independence Day to ensure a timely arrival in Oregon.
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Goose Egg Ranch: The Goose Egg Ranch gained notoriety when Owen Wister featured it in his novel The Virginian. This is where the cowboys humorously exchanged the babies' blankets, leading to mothers carrying home the wrong children after a dance. Located 10 miles south of Casper on the north bank of the North Platte River at Bessemer Bend, the ranch was built in 1883 by the Searight Brothers, who hauled construction materials over 225 miles from Cheyenne. They sold the ranch to J.M. Carey, a future Governor of Wyoming.
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Platte Bridge: A crucial crossing of the North Platte River, later the site of Fort Caspar, named in honor of Lieutenant Caspar Collins who died defending the bridge.
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Fort Casper: A military outpost established to protect emigrants and supply lines, playing a significant role in the history of the Oregon Trail and the Indian Wars.
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Jackson Canyon: A rugged and scenic canyon offering both challenges and beauty, highlighting the diverse landscapes encountered by westward travelers.
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Deer Creek Station: A trading post and stage station providing supplies and rest for emigrants, indicative of the support network that developed along the trail.
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Fort Fetterman: A military fort established to protect settlers and secure the region, later becoming a significant base during the Indian Wars.
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Fort Laramie: One of the most important military and trading posts on the frontier, it served as a hub for emigrants, traders, and the U.S. Army.
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Fort Bernard: A small trading post along the North Platte River on the Oregon Trail, established in 1845 on the site of an older fort from the late 1830s. Located about 8 miles southeast of Fort Laramie, it was operated by the American Fur Company. Bernard Pratte and his partner, who previously owned Fort Platte, moved their operation to attract travelers before they reached Fort Laramie. Named either for Pratte or his father, General Bernard Pratte, the fort was sold to the American Fur Company and managed by Joseph Bissonette and John Richards. It did excellent business in 1866 but burned down that summer while Richards was in New Mexico, and was never rebuilt. A trappers' trail connected it to Bent's Fort, and traders on the Santa Fe Trail brought flour to trade with emigrants during the 1866 season.
Colonel George Ruhlen (1884–1971) was a distinguished military officer and historical geographer whose career spanned significant developments in U.S. military history, particularly during the early and mid-20th century. Best known for organizing the coastal defenses of San Diego after Pearl Harbor, his leadership, particularly during World War II, and his contributions to historical scholarship made him a respected figure in both military and academic circles.
Born at Fort Totten, near Devil's Lake, North Dakota, in 1884, Ruhlen came from a family with a deep military tradition. His father, Major General George Ruhlen, was a U.S. Army quartermaster. Ruhlen graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. His early postings were within the Quartermaster Corps, but over time, he transitioned to roles of increasing responsibility within the field artillery, where he demonstrated keen leadership skills. His career saw him stationed at various posts, with a notable assignment in 1938 as the commanding officer of Corregidor, a fortress island in the Philippines critical to the defense of Manila Bay.
Colonel Ruhlen is perhaps best remembered for his role as the commander of Fort Rosecrans, a key military installation in San Diego, California. After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Ruhlen was tasked with organizing the coastal defenses of San Diego, a city that was seen as vulnerable to Japanese attack in the early days of the Pacific War. Fort Rosecrans, located on the Point Loma peninsula, became the centerpiece of Ruhlen’s efforts to fortify the region.
In his capacity as commander, Ruhlen oversaw the deployment of coastal artillery and anti-aircraft defenses, ensuring that San Diego, a vital Pacific Fleet base and a hub for wartime logistics, was well-protected. His leadership during this period was crucial in maintaining the security of one of the most strategically important cities on the U.S. West Coast.
Ruhlen retired from the U.S. Army in 1944, but his contributions to the San Diego community did not end there. He became heavily involved in historical research and preservation, notably serving as the president of the San Diego Historical Society during the late 1940s and early 1950s. In this role, Ruhlen was instrumental in promoting the study of Southern California's military history, especially the role that Fort Rosecrans and other installations played in the defense of the region during World War II.
Ruhlen’s work as a historical geographer extended beyond military history. He was particularly interested in the history of the American West and the strategic role of military forts in the development of the region. His research and writings contributed to a greater understanding of the military’s influence on the growth of Southern California, helping to preserve the legacy of the region's military past.
Colonel George Ruhlen was part of a family with a remarkable military lineage. His father, George Ruhlen Sr., served as an Army inspector general and was a significant figure in the U.S. Army during the early 20th century. Ruhlen's son, also named George Ruhlen, followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, serving with distinction in the U.S. Army during World War II. As a Lieutenant Colonel, George Ruhlen III commanded the 3rd Armored Field Artillery Battalion, a unit of the 9th Armored Division that played a key role in halting German advances during the Battle of the Bulge, particularly in the defense of Medernach.
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