Today,
the spire stands 325 feet above the plain, but during the
time of the migration, Chimney Rock was substantially higher.
It was the most spectacular landmark on the entire trail.
Many considered it the eighth wonder of the world. In their
enthusiasm, some tried to climb the massive rock but none
got higher than the base.
Emigrant
Joseph Hackney:
"This is the most remarkable object
that I ever saw, and if situated in the states would be
visited bypersons from all parts of the world."
Emigrant
Elisha Perkins:
"No conception can be formed of the magnitude of
this grand work of nature til you stand at its base and
look up. If a man does not feel like an insect, then I don't
know when he should."
Not
everyone was so enthusiastic.
Pioneer
artist Charles Preuss:
"This afternoon we sighted at a distance, the so-called
Chimney Rock. Nothing new otherwise. Oh, if there were a
tavern here! Toward evening we reached Chimney Rock and
camped opposite it."
Chimney
Rock (Park Service)
Official page of the National Park Service
