North Platte in Lincoln County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Fort McPherson Flagpole
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 4, 2021
1. Fort McPherson Flagpole Marker
Fort McPherson was an important outpost during the Indian wars. To reflect its importance a tall flagpole was needed. Trees were scarce on the Plains and so to get the height two trees were needed. This accounts for the two part flagpole. The original main anchor post was much taller, raising the connecting mechanism and the main pole higher than you see it today. Its current height is so visitors can see how the flagpole operates.
The latest restoration which took place in 2015 was part of an Eagle Scout Project. The anchor post is set in rock and sand instead of concrete because it is a more traditional way to set the pole. The finial at the top is a replica because the original is believed to be on top of the flagpole at Fort Hartsuff,
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.
Location. 41° 9.616′ N, 100° 47.39′ W. Marker is in North Platte, Nebraska, in Lincoln County. It can be reached from North Buffalo Bill Avenue 0.8 miles north of Lincoln Highway (U.S. 30), on the right when traveling north. Marker and flagpole are located on the Lincoln County Historical Museum grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2403 North Buffalo Bill Avenue, North Platte NE 69101, 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, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 4, 2021
2. Fort McPherson Flagpole G.A.R. Marker
This flag pole stood on Fort McPherson parade ground from 1877 to 1882 when the Government presented it to Stephen A. Douglas Post No. 69 G.A.R.
Marked by S. A. Douglas, W. R. C. No. 110 1929
Flag pole on NE. E. Corner of court yard 5-0 from ground 32Ύ in circumference 5-6 from ground 31Ύ in circumference. Measurements made six inches apart.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Lincoln County Historical Museum
Also see . . .
1. Scout who refurbished Fort McPherson flag earns honor.
(The North Platte Telegraph, Oct. 7, 2015) Mitchell J. Parish honored at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor at the Lincoln County Historical Museum. For his Eagle project, he took down and refurbished the original Fort McPherson flag mast at the Lincoln County Historical Museum. The project took 151 hours to plan and complete.(Submitted on February 8, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Fort McPherson, Nebraska.
Fort McPherson was originally called Cantonment(Submitted on February 8, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)McKean and was popularly known as Fort Cottonwood and "Post Cottonwood". The fort was an Indian Wars-era U.S. Army installation in Nebraska Territory located near the site of present-day North Platte, Nebraska.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 4, 20213. Fort McPherson Flagpole Markers
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 4, 2021
4. Fort McPherson Flagpole
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 4, 2021
5. Fort McPherson Flagpole
Looking south. Fort McPherson Cabin in background.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 7, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 328 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 8, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
