Ogallala in Keith County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

End of the Texas Trail

1875-1885

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 9, 2011

1. End of the Texas Trail Marker

Inscription. An etching of Ogallala appeared in an 1878 issue of American Agriculturalist magazine, depicting the town as the terminus of Texas cattle drives. It shows cattle being driven up the trail, across the South Platte River, and into Union Pacific cattle pens. Trains then carried the cattle to markets in the East, or ranches in the West. Some herds were also trailed north to provide beef for Indian reservations. The cattle drives had a major impact on Ogallala’s early history and growth. Their legacy is recalled by “Long Horns,” an art deco style mural in the Ogallala post office. The painting, by artist Frank Mechau, was commissioned in 1938 by the U.S. Treasury’s Section of Painting and Sculpture, and funded by the Works Progress Administration. Although the painting depicts a Caucasian cowboy, two of every seven were African-American or Hispanic.

Erected by Ogallala/Keith County Chamber of Commerce. (Marker Number 3.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco, and the Works Progress Administration

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(WPA) projects series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 41° 7.607′ N, 101° 43.16′ W. Marker is in Ogallala, Nebraska, in Keith County. It is on North Spruce Street near East Third Street. This maker is in front of the Ogallala Post Office. It is marker no. 3 of the Historic Walk of Fame in Ogallala, NE. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 319 North Spruce Street, Ogallala NE 69153, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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

in the Corn Belt,

on the prairies,

on the Great Plains,

and specifically on the High Plains.

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: Standard Oil Gas Station (within shouting distance of this marker); The Pony Express (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); KOGA AM & FM (about 400 feet away); Highways 26 and 92 (about 500 feet away); The Great

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 9, 2011

2. End of the Texas Trail Marker

Platte River Road (about 500 feet away); The Mormon Trail (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named The Great Platte River Road (about 500 feet away); California Hill (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ogallala.

Additional keywords. cattle drive

End of the Texas Trail Marker in front of the Ogallala Post Office image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 9, 2011

3. End of the Texas Trail Marker in front of the Ogallala Post Office

The Ogallala Post Office image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 9, 2011

4. The Ogallala Post Office

The "Long Horns" mural by Frank Mechau image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, December 9, 2011

5. The "Long Horns" mural by Frank Mechau

This mural is inside the Ogallala Post Office.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 20, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,231 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 20, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.