THE CALIFORNIA-OREGON TRAIL
THE CALIFORNIA-OREGON TRAIL From the 1830s to the 1870s, the 2,000-mile road connecting Missouri river towns with California and Oregon was America's greatest transcontinental highway. Several routes led west from the river, converging into one trail by the time Fort Kearny (Neb.) vicinity was reached. One of them began near present Kansas City and passed this point, crossing Rock creek not far from the highway bridge.
Here a great campground was located because of the several fine springs in the vicinity. Scott spring, 180 yard north, still offers the 'delicious cold water' mentioned by one traveler in 1846. Local legend says that at times the whole of what is now the Westmoreland townsite was covered by the camps of travelers, their wagons and cattle. Nearby are the graves of several pioneers who died on the trail. One unidentified grave is located just north of the spring.
From a point about two miles south of this marker Kansas highway 99 follows the trail to Westmoreland. In places, ruts of the old trail may still be seen from the modern traveler's car window.
K-99, Pottawatomie County
Roadside turnout, south of Westmoreland
Plaque via Kansas Historical Society, and is used with their permission. Full page