It is one of three notable "recording areas" along the emigrant trails in Wyoming along with Register Cliff and Independence Rock.

[1] Names Hill was located near a heavily used crossing of the Green River.

In 1844, Caleb Greenwood and Isaac Hitchcock lead the first wagon train over what would later be called the Sublette-Greenwood Cutoff along the way crossing the Green River at Names Hill.

The wagon trains would rest at the Green River following a 40-mile (64 km) waterless trek across the prairie, providing an opportunity for travelers to add their names to the hill.

[3] Among the more famous names inscribed on the rock is famed mountain man Jim Bridger.