The term, "Seeing the Elephant" was a way of expressing on overwhelming emotion. As historians have researched the pioneer diaries they were quick to sum up the expression as a negative experience.
While desolation and sadness may have been the one trait of seeing the elephant, there were others who recorded this same phrase for the excitement they felt about embarking on an unknown journey. Elephant sightings often began with excitement and anticipation, only to be disappointing or disheartening. The highs of excitement were often followed by the lows of frustration. While most wanted to see the Elephant, few would have wanted to "see" it again.
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