Near Brady in Lincoln County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Fort McPherson and North Platte

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, September 24, 2015

1. Fort McPherson and North Platte Marker

Inscription. A few miles west of here on the south side of the Platte River is the site of Fort McPherson, 1863-1880. During the Indian troubles of the middle 1860's, troops of the post were occupied in keeping the telegraph lines in operation and the mail and stage lines running. When the Union Pacific Railroad reached this area in late 1866, the military played an important role in guarding construction crews. Early in 1867 the town of North Platte was established fifteen miles west of the fort. The town was located on the watershed just above the confluence of the North and South Platte Rivers, and was designated a division point for the railroad. Two brick roundhouses were among the first buildings in the village. Many frontier and military figures are important in the history of both the fort and the town. Although the fort was totally razed after its abandonment, the Fort McPherson National Cemetery is located on a part of the old military reservation. It is the resting place of hundreds of soldiers from various western military posts, as well as servicemen from later wars. North Platte, now grown into one of Nebraska's major

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trading centers, still retains a lively interest in the exciting history of the region.

Erected by Department of Roads and the Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 193.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.

Location. 41° 2.16′ N, 100° 28.02′ W. Marker is near Brady, Nebraska, in Lincoln County. It is on Interstate 80 5.3 miles west of State Highway 560, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located in the west bound rest area west of Brady. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brady NE 69123, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Nebraska and in the Platte River Valley.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

on the prairies,

on the Great Plains,

and specifically on the High Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically,

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, June 29, 2023

2. Fort McPherson and North Platte Marker

it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Road Ranches Along the Platte (approx. 0.7 miles away); Fort McPherson National Cemetery (approx. 3.1 miles away); Fort McPherson (approx. 4.9 miles away).

Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 511 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 5, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 2. submitted on July 4, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas.