Weather

Weather was an unknown factor to be calculated into the equation. Torrents of rain or choking with dust? Gale force winds or not a hint of a breeze? Searingly hot or frigidly cold? Snowy or clear? These travelers experienced and endured them all. “We have had all kinds of weather today. This morning was dry, dusty and sandy. This afternoon it rained, hailed and the wind was very high. Have been traveling all the afternoon in mud and water up to our hubs. Broke chains and stuck in the mud several times.” Amelia Stewart Knight, May 16, 1853

“Furious blast of sleet and hail, full in our faces, icy cold, a storm of needles.” Francis Parkman, 1846.

“The sun is melting....The stench occasioned by the dead cattle...We are near being eaten alive with mosquitoes, there are thousands of them buzzing about your ears which makes one almost frantic.” Ester Hanna, 1852.