Near Odell in Gage County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Oketo Cutoff
Express company owner Ben Holladay, who had the government contract to carry mail and passengers from the Missouri River to California, ordered the cutoff laid out at an estimated cost of $50,000, producing a shorter, better road and by passing Marysville after the town refused to improve the Military Road.
Although Holladay's coaches used the Oketo cutoff, freighters and other travelers continued to follow the Military Road, which had been popular since the late 1840s. After only a few months Holladay abandoned the cutoff, although the road may have seen continued use.
Erected by Nebraska State Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1862.
Location. 40° 2.749′ N, 96° 48.825′ W. Marker is near Odell, Nebraska, in Gage County. Marker is on State Highway 8, 0.6 miles west of Perry Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Odell NE 68415, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 17 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Hollenberg Ranch Pony Express Station (approx. 10.2 miles away in Kansas); Hollenberg Ranch and the Pony Express (approx. 14.3 miles away in Kansas); Civil War Memorial (approx. 16.3 miles away in Kansas); Marysville (approx. 16.6 miles away in Kansas); Marysville, Kan. (approx. 16.8 miles away in Kansas); Marshall County Court House (approx. 16.8 miles away in Kansas); S. M. N. & R. American Legion Post 163 Veterans Memorial (approx. 16.9 miles away in Kansas); Marshall County Veterans Memorial (approx. 16.9 miles away in Kansas).
Credits. This page was last revised on December 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 25, 2023, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 62 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 25, 2023, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.