Near Bridgeport in Morrill County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Amanda Lamme
Photographed By Connor Olson, September 1, 2021
1. Amanda Lamme Marker
On June 23, 1850, twenty-eight-year-old Amanda Lamme, a California-bound emigrant, died of cholera and was buried near here in what is now private pastureland. She was the wife of M.J. Lamme of Boone County, Missouri, and mother of three daughters. The monument that marks her grave was erected in 1912. It was incorrectly engraved with the name Amanda Lamin.
Between 1842 and 1859 an estimated 20,000 emigrants, about five percent of the total, died along the overland trails. Cholera in 1849, 1850, and 1857 caused many adult deaths. Few children died from this. Malaria, smallpox, measles, and dysentery took a toll of children and adults alike.
Although wagons moved slowly, people were sometimes crushed beneath the wheels. Drownings were common at river crossings. Accidental shootings were frequent because many travelers were unfamiliar with the use of firearms. Contrary to movie and television portrayals, few emigrants were killed by Indians. The risk of death probably was about the same for the emigrants as for the people who stayed at home.
Erected by Nebraska State Historical Society; National Park Service. (Marker Number 349.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites
this page online
Location. 41° 36.775′ N, 103° 0.221′ W. Marker is near Bridgeport, Nebraska, in Morrill County. Marker is at the intersection of Gold Rush Byway (U.S. 385) and Local Road 86, on the right when traveling north on Gold Rush Byway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bridgeport NE 69336, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Guiding Landmarks (approx. 4.6 miles away); Courthouse and Jail Rocks (approx. 5 miles away); Oregon Trail (approx. 5.7 miles away); Dedicated to the Early Pioneers (approx. 6.1 miles away); Bridgeport, Nebraska (approx. 6˝ miles away); Mormon Pioneer Camp (approx. 6.6 miles away); Dedicated to the Unknown Soldier (approx. 8.3 miles away); a different marker also named Oregon Trail (approx. 8.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bridgeport.
Photographed By Connor Olson, September 1, 2021
2. Amanda Lamme Marker
courtesy of the Denver Public Library, 1929
3. Tombstone for "Amanda Lamin"
View of a stone grave marker on the Oregon Trail in Bridgeport (Morill County), Nebraska; inscription reads: "Amanda Consort of M. J. Lamin of Devonshire Eng. born Feb. 22, 1822, died June 23, 1850 of Cholera."
Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 484 times since then and 22 times this year. Last updated on May 14, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on September 2, 2021. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
