Hastings in Adams County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Martin Brothers "A Narrow Escape"

Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 28, 2025

1. The Martin Brothers "A Narrow Escape" Marker

Inscription.
Commissioned by Fred A. Bosselman
Sculpted by David L. Biehl, 2011

By the mid-1860s Plains Indians were being pushed off of their homeland by settlers from the East. Sioux and Cheyenne tribes made a last attempt to secure their territories by raiding homes and settlements along the Platte River Valley. In August of 1864, Robert Martin, 12, and Nathaniel Martin, 15, were putting up hay with their father, George, seven miles west of the current Doniphan, Nebraska, when they were attacked by Indians. The brothers fled the attack together. Both boys tumbled to the ground where they were left for dead. Remarkably, the boys were found alive the next day. The Martin Brothers survived, married and raised families. Robert had chronic back pain and spinal meningitis from the incident and died at the age of 47. Nathaniel stayed in the area and was able to tell this true and harrowing story to his grandchildren. He died in 1927 at the age of 79.

This is a gift from the Fred A. Bosselman Family to the Hastings Museum

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1864.

Location. 40° 35.991′ N,

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98° 23.511′ W. Marker is in Hastings, Nebraska, in Adams County. It can be reached from the intersection of North Burlington Avenue (U.S. 281) and West 14th Street. Marker is near the entrance of Hastings Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1330 N Burlington Ave, Hastings NE 68901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Smoky Hills

and 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 walking distance of this marker: The Martin Brothers/Life Cycle of a Monarch Butterfly (here, next to this marker); The Kool-Aid Man Was Here! (here, next to this marker); Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Medicinal Prairie Plants (within shouting distance of this marker); Submarine Deck Gun/Deck Gun Schematics (within shouting distance of this marker); Highland Park Cemetery

Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 28, 2025

2. The Martin Brothers "A Narrow Escape" Marker

(about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (approx. ¼ mile away); Central Hastings Historic District (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hastings.

Also see . . . Hastings Museum (official website). (Submitted on November 3, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 77 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 3, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. a photo of the statue (if possible) • Can you help?