Near Odell in Gage County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Oketo Cutoff

Photographed by Brian Anderson, May 21, 2023

1. The Oketo Cutoff Marker

Inscription. From October 1862 until March 1863 stagecoaches of the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express passed near here along the Oketo Cutoff. The cutoff diverged from the Ft. Leavenworth to Ft. Kearny Military Road northeast of Marysville, Kansas, angled northwest to cross the Big Blue River near Oketo, Kansas, and passed through the Otoe Indian Reservation and land that would be the short-lived village of Charleston, just south of the later site of Odell, Nebraska. The cutoff rejoined the main trail between Steele City and Diller, Nebraska.

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

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

State Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. 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. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Nebraska. It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and on the prairies.

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 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Hollenberg Pony Express Station (approx. 10.1 miles away in Kansas); Camping Along the Trail (approx. 10.1 miles away in Kansas); Points of Interest (approx. 10.2 miles away in Kansas); Hollenberg Station and Transportation

Photographed by Brian Anderson, May 21, 2023

2. The Oketo Cutoff Marker

(approx. 10.2 miles away in Kansas); Transportation (approx. 10.2 miles away in Kansas); Hollenberg Ranch Pony Express Station (approx. 10.2 miles away in Kansas); Trail Junction (approx. 12.1 miles away in Kansas); Wagons Merge on the Prairie (approx. 12.1 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 New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 670 times since then and 91 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 25, 2023, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.