Back in the 1800's it was impossible to get from Missouri over to California. Explorers tried for many years but it wasn't until they discovered South Pass that it became possible. South Pass was the only way to get from east to west in the mid 1800's. The pass contributed to other important historical developments such as the Oregon Trail, the California Trail, the Mormon Handcart Trail, and the United States was able to expand west.

With the discovery of gold, South Pass City became the largest town in Wyoming for a short period of time and made history when Esther Hobart Morris became the United States' first female Justice of the Peace. In South Pass: The Gateway to the West we learn history can be made from such unexpected places.