Other sites

The Hangman's Tree		 This stately Juniper stands today as a lone symbol of the law and justice of the early turbulent days of Holcomb Valley. As miners and prospectors came to seek their fortune, outlaws, claim jumpers, gamblers, and general troublemakers followed close behind. In late August, 1861, the notorious little valley was taken over by an organized gang of horse thieves from Salt Lake City known as the Button's Gang. This gang ruled so fiercely that its members could take over almost any cabin, or force storekeepers to give them the equipment or supplies they wanted.

Not all of the fugitives evaded justice. There is recorded evidence of as many as four convictions and subsequent hangings at one time on this tree.

When the victim of a hanging was finally cut down, the branch from which the rope hung was chopped off. So you can tell how many "met their Maker here.

 

Pigmy Cabin		 This old log cabin is a curiosity because it is so small. It is even more interesting to know it was a barber shop as late as the 1930's. One story, passed down, claims it was built small because of a fast approaching storm. Another has it that the builder was eager to finish and try his luck at the nearest stream. The cabin was destroyed by fire in November 1983.
Very little is know of this man except for his name and the cause of his death. Ross was killed accidentally while operating a saw, and was buried on the spot. The remarkable thing is that in those days of the lust for gold, someone cared enough to take the time to hand carve the old picket fence surrounding the grave.
This is a picture of the road we were on. IN parts like this it was pretty good and in other it was pretty rough. I was glad we had the truck as in some spots a car would hit bottom.