Details

Category: Register Cliffs Historic Site

Description:
 

Register Cliff State Historic Site (RCSHS) is an important landmark where thousands of emigrants passed during the overland migration to the west. Their passage through this historic area is evidenced by the countless names, dates and messages that were inscribed in the soft cliff face at RCSHS. Guernsey State Park maintains and manages the site which is located 2 miles south of the town of Guernsey along the southern bank of the North Platte River.

History:

RCSHS is a soft limestone cliff that rises above the valley floor on the southern side of the North Platte River. Wind, weather and the erosive action of the river left its mark on the soft sedimentary layers creating the cliff that towers above the flat valley floor. It was on this cliff face that many of the emigrants heading west along the Oregon, California and Mormon trails left their mark. During the peak of the western movement of the 1840’s and 1850’s Register Cliff was an important landmark along the trails. Situated a day’s travel west of Fort Laramie the Register Cliff area was an important stopover and resting area for weary travelers to set up camp to rest and pasture their animals. While there many of the wayfarers recorded their names, dates and origins on the soft walls of the Cliff. In 1880, cattleman Charles Guernsey would establish his ranch at the base of Register Cliff. The Guernsey Cattle Company would continue to operate until 1926. Subsequently, the Henry Frederick family would settle in the area where their family continues ranching to this day. Henry Frederick gifted Register Cliff to the State of Wyoming in 1932. In 1970 the site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.