Near Overton in Dawson County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Tobin Indian Raid
Railroads played an important role in the settlement of the Great Plains. Their construction was particularly damaging to the Indian way of life, since railroads helped the military to patrol rapidly along their lines, and villages and farming communities soon grew up along the rights-of-way. The Union Pacific was built across Nebraska between 1864 and 1867. On May 10, 1869, the U.P. tracks joined those of the Central Pacific at Promontory Point, Near Ogden, Utah.
Section crews were stationed along the railroad to keep the tracks and telegraph wires repaired. The Sioux and Cheyenne, knowing the importance of maintenance work, attacked working crews. Several such raids took place in present Dawson County.
Mrs. Timothy Tobin and Mrs. William Costin, wives of section foremen, and their families were threatened by an Indian raiding party on April 29, 1868. Shortly afterward the warriors attacked and killed Mr. Tobin and section hands Schultz and McCarthy. A third employee named Williams, though seriously wounded, escaped to the section house. Fearing for her husband and his crew, Mrs. Costin bravely set out to warn them of the danger. A passing train picked up the survivors; the two slain workmen were buried near here.
Erected by Overton American Legion Post 277 & Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 222.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 29, 1868.
Location. 40° 44.024′ N, 99° 30.145′ W. Marker is near Overton, Nebraska, in Dawson County. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 30 and Road 446, on the right when traveling east on U.S. 30. Marker is located in pullout on the south side of U.S. 30. Active Union Pacific railroad tracks pass east-to-west just about 20 yards from the marker. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Overton NE 68863, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Plum Creek Massacre Site (approx. 6.9 miles away); The Plum Creek Massacre (approx. 6.9 miles away); Historic Platte Valley (approx. 8.7 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 637 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 9, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.