Lane’s Grave Historical Site Opened
Dec 05, 2025 10:04AM ● By By Don Wind, VP-East, Idaho Chapter Oregon-California Trail System
John Lane’s original headstone with the engraving “J. W. LANE DIED July 18, 1859 AD 50 yrs. 2 mos.”
Steps were taken recently to open to the public the historic site east of Wayan where John Lane, captain of a wagon train destined for Oregon, was buried along the Lander Road in 1859. Lane’s grave is marked with the original headstone carved with his name and date of death on the day of his funeral. Lane died of a cholera-like illness. This section of the Lander Road was constructed by the federal government between South Pass in Wyoming and Fort Hall as an improved route for pioneers trekking the Oregon and California Trails.
In addition to an interpretive sign describing the Lander Road and the death and funeral of John Lane, directional signs have been installed, the first of which is located on State Highway 34 at Lane’s Creek Cutoff Road. While the interpretive sign at the site is accessible to all, the gravesite itself is behind a locked gate on private land. Landowner Marco Lloyd has made access to the grave available to those who ask permission. To gain access, call 208-399-2367 or 208-681-8008. A sign with these phone numbers is posted at the locked gate. The site is not accessible in the winter due to heavy snowfall in the area. The landowner requests respect for the signs and property to ensure access in the future.
Further enhancements to the site include the addition of gravel to the entrance road and parking area and the marking of the Lander Road in the Spring. Members of the Idaho Chapter of the Oregon-California Trails Association will install markers along the Lander Road in proximity to the grave site.
This project was coordinated by Don Wind of the Oregon-California Trails Association, with input from many collaborators. Contributors to this project included Marco Lloyd of Lane’s Creek Ranch, the National Park Service, the Caribou County Commissioners, the Caribou County Weed Control Department, the Matthews Brothers, Gilbert Land and Livestock, and the Idaho Transportation Department. Wind stated that this signage project would not have been possible without their involvement.
