Bertrand in Phelps County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Plum Creek Massacre
Occurred 1 ½ miles east of here on August 8th, 1864
Photographed by Susan Van Den Bosch, February 24, 2026
1. The Plum Creek Massacre Marker
The Massacre was part of a concerted attack by the Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians that ranged from Julesburg, Colorado to the valley of the Little Blue River in Nebraska. Ranches, stage stations, homesteaders' cabins and wagon trains were attacked and burned. Men, women, and children were killed outright or captured. Some captives were tortured and killed, some were ransomed. Among those ransomed were 19 year old Mar. Thomas F. (Nancy/Jane) Morton and 12 year old Danny Marble, both captured here near the Plum Creek.
Erected by Phelps County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical date for this entry is August 8, 1864.
Location. 40° 40.353′ N, 99° 36.348′ W. Marker is in Bertrand, Nebraska, in Phelps County. It is on B Road north of 748 Road, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10263 B Rd, Bertrand NE 68927, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Oregon Trail (here, next to this marker); Pony Express (here, next to this marker); Historic Plum Creek History (here, next to this marker); Historic Plum Creek Cemetery Information & Directory (here, next to this marker); Sarepta Gore Fly (a few steps from this marker); The Tobin Indian Raid (approx. 6.9 miles away); M60A1 Main Battle Tank (approx. 8.4 miles away); M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle (approx. 8½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bertrand.
Other markers no longer nearby. The Plum Creek Massacre (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Plum Creek Massacre Site (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2026, by Susan Van Den Bosch of Almond, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 92 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on March 1, 2026, by Susan Van Den Bosch of Almond, Wisconsin. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
