Adding us as a Preferred Source tells Google you trust our content, so our articles show up more often in your Google Search, Discover feed, and AI Overviews.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Sweetwater River
river, Wyoming, United States
Sweetwater River, river rising in the southern tip of Wind River Range, central Wyoming, U.S. It flows generally east for 175 miles (282 km) and empties into Pathfinder Reservoir on the North Platte River. The Oregon Trail followed the Sweetwater westward from the vicinity of Casper to South Pass. Independence Rock, a granite monolith rising 193 feet (59 metres) on the north bank of the river near the reservoir, was a trail landmark. The river was supposedly so-named by General William Ashley in 1823 because its water tasted sweet to his trappers.
Discover the fascinating events that shaped the world, straight from our editors.
By clicking “Sign Up”, you consent to the Britannica
Privacy Policy
and
Terms of Use.