Near Crawford in Dawes County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Fort Robinson and the Railroad

Photographed by Connor Olson, May 25, 2021

1. Fort Robinson and the Railroad Marker

Inscription. On January 20, 1885, Congress granted the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad a right-of-way through the Fort Robinson Military Reservation. Later this line was acquired by the Chicago and North Western. With direct rail access in 1886, the fort continued to expand its regional importance, and its military use was assured well into the twentieth century. The railroad's arrival also spurred settlement with the founding of the town of Crawford in 1886.

Erected by Chicago and North Western Transportation Company and Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 368.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 20, 1885.

Location. 42° 39.903′ N, 103° 27.506′ W. Marker is near Crawford, Nebraska, in Dawes County. It can be reached from Bridges to Buttes Byway (U.S. 20) south of Soldier Creek Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office

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area: Crawford NE 69339, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Nebraska Panhandle.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

on the prairies,

on the Great Plains,

on the Northern 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 marker: K-9 Training Area (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sea Level Bench Mark (approx. ¼ mile away); The Flight of the Cheyennes (approx. 0.3 miles away); Cavalry Barracks/Cheyenne Outbreak (approx. 0.3 miles away); Adjuncts Office/Guardhouse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Crazy Horse (approx. 0.4 miles away); Officers’ Row, 1874-1875 (approx. 0.4 miles away); Fort Robinson (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Crawford.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, June 30, 2023

2. Fort Robinson and the Railroad Marker

Overgrown rail near the marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Connor Olson, May 25, 2021

3. Overgrown rail near the marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 535 times since then and 52 times this year. Last updated on May 14, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on May 27, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on July 12, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 3. submitted on May 27, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.