Taken from a high bluff north of St Joseph, looking south at the end of March. The river had rafts and ferries at an early date--there was no other way to cross. Pony Express riders went from left to right into KS roughly near bridges in the distance.

Oregon and California Trail emigrants had the same experience 50 miles (80 km) downstream if they left from Independence MO. Ferries backed up at peak seasons and delays could be 10 days or more.