Newcastle in Dixon County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Ionia "Volcano"

Photographed by Roger Dean Meyer, July 31, 2012

1. The Ionia "Volcano" Marker

Inscription. On August, 24, 1804, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, traveling up the Missouri River, passed a bluff about 180 to 190 feet high. Clark wrote that it appeared to have been on fire and was still very hot. He also detected signs of coal and what looked like cobalt. Later fur traders frequently noticed dense smoke and fire in this region. In 1839, J. N. Nicollet attempted to prove that these phenomena were not of volcanic origin. Nicollet theorized that the decomposition of beds of iron pyrites in contact with water resulted in a heat capable of igniting other combustible materials.
Unaware of this explanation, early settlers continued to fear the “Ionia volcano” which took its name from the once flourishing town of Ionia located northeast of present-day Newcastle. An earthquake in 1877 aroused new fears of an impending volcanic eruption. In 1878, the Missouri River undermined the bluffs and a large section of the “volcano” fell into the river. The same flood nearly destroyed the town of Ionia. “Volcano” stories died out soon after the Ionia post office was discontinued in 1907.

Erected by Newcastle Community Betterment

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Comittiee/Historical Landmark Council. (Marker Number 068.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition, and the Nebraska State Historical Society series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is August 24, 1804.

Location. 42° 39.137′ N, 96° 52.307′ W. Marker is in Newcastle, Nebraska, in Dixon County. It is at the intersection of State Highway 12 and Martha Avenue, on the right when traveling east on State Highway 12. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Newcastle NE 68757, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Nebraska. It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and on the prairies.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Great Missouri River (approx. 6 miles away); Mulberry Bend Scenic Overlook

Wide view of The Ionia "Volcano" Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Roger Dean Meyer, July 31, 2012

2. Wide view of The Ionia "Volcano" Marker

(approx. 6 miles away); Burbank (approx. 7 miles away in South Dakota); Welcome to Cotton Park (approx. 8.9 miles away in South Dakota); Old Vermillion (approx. 8.9 miles away in South Dakota); Vermillion (approx. 8.9 miles away in South Dakota); Lewis and Clark / Vermillion (approx. 8.9 miles away in South Dakota); Confluence of the Vermillion and Missouri Rivers (approx. 8.9 miles away in South Dakota).

Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2020, by Roger Dean Meyer of Yankton, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 844 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 31, 2020, by Roger Dean Meyer of Yankton, South Dakota.