Lincoln Highway Map, Point of Rocks to Evanston
Until 1926, the Lincoln Highway was referred to by name. In 1926,
the highway was designated as U.S. Rte. 30. This provoked a furious
debate between Kemmerer and Evanston as to the route for the numbered highway.
Road Grading near Rock Springs, 1918
Ultimately, the dispute was solved by designated the original route through
Evanston as 30S and the route through Diamondville and Kemmerer as 30N, the
highways splitting at Granger.
Covered Wagon Camp auto cabin court, four miles west of Green River.
Usually, the old Mon and Pop cabin courts have faded from existence. One, however, has survived.
Near Granger, out in the lonely, wind blown, high desert, is an oasis for travellers, Little America. Covey's Little America was started in 1934 by Stephen Mack
Covey (1869-1959) as a small gas station-motel-cafe. Covey claimed that he was inspired to provide to
start his operation when about 40 years before as a sheep herder he spent a night out in the area when it was 40 below. He vowed
then that someday he would return and provide an oasis for those caught out in the area.
The motel was modest with 12 cabins, 2 gas pumps and 24 seats in the cafe. A small bar and cocktail lounge called the
"Palm Room" was added.
Covey's Little America, Granger
The small cabin court has grown somewhat. Today, the cafe and dining room can seat 250. 16 semi-tractors can refuel at the same
time. The facility can store some 250,000 gallons of fuel. On an average some 1.5 millions of fuel are sold a month. Branches have been opened
elsewhere including major resort hotels. The owners now also have acquired a major oil company, Sinclair.
The original facility burned down in 1948 and the present facility was reopened several miles away in 1949.
With the
completion of I-80 in the area in the 1970's, 30S was de-designated.
Lyman, approx. 1940
Lyman was founded about 1898 by Mormon colonists. It was originally was going to be
called Owem after Abraham Owen Woodruff. Ultimately, however, it was
named after Francis M. Lyman, an apostle
with the L.D.S. Church.
Lyman, approx. 1950.
Although the town was by-passed by I-80, the town has become attractive as the
trees have been planted, new street lamps have been
installed, and American flags displayed.
Lyman, 2003, Photo by Geoff Dobson
Next page: Fort Bridger to Evanston.
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