Crofton in Cedar County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Historic Missouri Valley

Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, May 22, 2016

1. Historic Missouri Valley Marker

Inscription.
During their exploration of the Missouri and Columbia Rivers, Lewis and Clark held councils with Ponca, Omaha, and Sioux Indians inhabiting this region. The council with the Sioux occurred August 28-31, 1804 at Calumet Bluff now the southern abutment of Gavins Point Dam. By 1857 the Ponca and Omaha tribes had signed peace treaties and had been removed to reservations, but peaceful relations with the Sioux were still some years distant. In 1862-1865, General Alfred Sully, provisioned by steamboat, campaigned against the Sioux in Dakota Territory. Many local inhabitants took part in the expedition as members of the Second Regiment, Nebraska Volunteer Cavalry, leaving the Northern Nebraska settlements unprotected. On July 23, 1863, Indians, alleged to be Sioux invaded the area, killing the child of Henson Wiseman who lived near present day Wynot, Nebraska.

Steamboats, which first ascended the Missouri in 1819, carried military personnel, provisions miners to the Montana gold fields and settlers to new homes. To day the churning steamboat has given way to pleasure boats and Missouri yields her power to flood-control reservoirs.

Erected by Department of Roads Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 167.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed

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in these topic lists: Exploration • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition, and the Nebraska State Historical Society series lists.

Location. 42° 49.716′ N, 97° 24.329′ W. Marker is in Crofton, Nebraska, in Cedar County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 81, 1½ miles south of 898th Rd.. This marker is located at the Corps of Discovery Welcome Center behind the main building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 89705 US-81, Crofton NE 68730, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Great Missouri River (a few steps from this marker); Meeting the Yankton Sioux (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Scenic Missouri Valley (about 500 feet away); Meridian Highway (about 500 feet away); Flood of 1881 Leaves Lost Settlements in its Wake (approx. 2½ miles away in South Dakota); Crossroads of Culture

Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, May 22, 2016

2. Historic Missouri Valley Marker

(approx. 2.6 miles away in South Dakota); USS Scorpion (SS-278) (approx. 2.7 miles away in South Dakota); William H. McMaster (approx. 2.7 miles away in South Dakota). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Crofton.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Corps of Discovery Welcome Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, May 22, 2016

3. Corps of Discovery Welcome Center

Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2017. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2017, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 545 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 14, 2017, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.