[2] The Martin Handcart company had begun its journey on July 28, 1856 which was dangerously late in the season and would ultimately lead to the disaster.

[3] A few days prior to their arrival at Martin's Cove, the company was met by a small rescue party with food, supplies, and wagons that Brigham Young, the church president, had sent from Salt Lake City, Utah.

[7] The concerns were mainly the result of the land including areas commonly used as campgrounds by emigrant trains, the Pony Express, and other landmarks such as Devil's Gate.

As a result, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), part of the Interior Department, had to negotiate a long-term lease with the church.

[11] These Treks involve dressing up in period clothing while spending several days pulling handcarts and camping out along the Mormon Trail.

The highlight of their Trek is visiting Martin's Cove and nearby Devil's Gate, along with the LDS Visitors' Center.