Why do we preserve and honor these graves? I'm sure each person has his own answer. Many have a direct family connection. For myself it is some sort of resolution of my grief over deceased loved ones; to know that others not only mourned their loved ones, but also had the additional burden of leaving them behind, perhaps to the ravages of animals. Many did not have markers, but were buried under the trail itself. The wagons would roll over the grave in the attempt to obliterate traces, so the animals would not find them. Chilling!

Many thanks to Dick Klein for alerting me to the Chambers and Butts graves. If you know
of other gravesites that should be featured here pleases send me details and especially pictures.
I can use regular photos, slides, or digital photos.