Near Ogallala in Keith County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Ash Hollow
Gateway to the Northern Platte Valley
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, November 25, 2012
1. Ash Hollow Marker
Inscription.
Ash Hollow. Gateway to the Northern Platte Valley. Although some wagon trains continued to follow the South Platte, most crossed at one of several fords in this area and took a northwesterly route toward the North Platte River. The trail then followed the North Platte Valley through the remainder of Nebraska. Today’s traveler, by following U.S. Highway 26 northwest of Ogallala, will encounter several noted landmarks along this portion of the Platte River Road. On of these is Ash Hollow, a picturesque canyon, near present-day Lewellen. Because of the steepness of the descent, this part of the trail presented one of the most serious obstacles yet faced by the emigrants. Offering spectacular scenery as well as wood and water, Ash Hollow is mentioned in many overland diaries. Several graves, including that of young Rachel Pattison who died of cholera in 1849, testify to the rigors of the overland journey.
Northwest of Ash Hollow on Blue Water Creek was the site of a significant Indian battle in 1855. Often known as the Battle of Ash Hollow, this fight resulted in the defeat of Little Thunder’s band of Brule Sioux by United States Troops under General William S. Harney.
Although some wagon trains continued to follow the South Platte, most crossed at one of several fords in this area and took a northwesterly route toward the North Platte River. The trail then followed the North Platte Valley through the remainder of Nebraska. Today’s traveler, by following U.S. Highway 26 northwest of Ogallala, will encounter several noted landmarks along this portion of the Platte River Road.
On of these is Ash Hollow, a picturesque canyon, near present-day Lewellen. Because of the steepness of the descent, this part of the trail presented one of the most serious obstacles yet faced by the emigrants. Offering spectacular scenery as well as wood and water, Ash Hollow is mentioned in many overland diaries. Several graves, including that of young Rachel Pattison who died of cholera in 1849, testify to the rigors of the overland journey.
Northwest of Ash Hollow on Blue Water Creek was the site of a significant Indian battle in 1855. Often known as the Battle of Ash Hollow, this fight resulted in the defeat of Little Thunder’s band of Brule Sioux by United States Troops under General William S. Harney.
Erected by Nebraska Department of Roads/Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 98.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list:
Location. 41° 7.211′ N, 101° 36.226′ W. Marker is near Ogallala, Nebraska, in Keith County. Marker is on Interstate 80, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ogallala NE 69153, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regarding Ash Hollow. This marker is located at the Roscoe Rest Area on the north side of Interstate 80.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, November 25, 2012
2. Ash Hollow Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 647 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on December 18, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
