North Platte in Lincoln County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Capstan

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 4, 2021

1. Capstan Marker

Inscription. This capstan was used when marshy ground made direct pulling with oxen impossible. A cable was unwound from the spool in the center of the capstan and attached to the ditch plow. Teams of oxen or draft horses were hitched to the wooden arm of the capstan and, pulling on the arm, they walked in circles (stepping over the cable) and wound up the cable. Usually 2 to 3 capstans were used at the same time allowing the plow to be guided along the survey line.

The capstan was found on the same farm as the plow. Walt Carlyle, museum volunteer, led the effort to restore it.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 41° 9.642′ N, 100° 47.374′ W. Marker is in North Platte, Nebraska, in Lincoln County. Marker 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 capstan 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ox Yokes (here, next to this marker); Crab (here, next to this marker); Blacksmith Shop (a few steps from this marker); Ditch Plow

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Jeffers Family Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Dick Neve Barber Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); U. P. Caboose #25486 (within shouting distance of this marker); General Store (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in North Platte.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Lincoln County Historical Museum

Marker detail: Capstan image. Click for full size.

2. Marker detail: Capstan

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 4, 2021

3. Capstan Marker

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 4, 2021

4. Capstan

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 4, 2021

5. Capstan

Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 11, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.