Ogallala in Keith County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Cowboy Capital
Nebraska Historical Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 10, 2011
1. Cowboy Capital Marker
Named for the Oglala band of Dakota Sioux and located on the Union Pacific Railroad, Ogallala was a lusty cowtown of the Old West. From 1875 to 1886 it was a wild and woolly cowboy capital where gold flowed across the gaming tables, liquor across the bar, and often blood across the floor.As farmers settled eastern Oklahoma ad Kansas they destroyed the famous Chisholm Trail, forcing the herds westward, and the Western or Texas Trail through Dodge City and Ogallala was established. From Ogallala, Texas cattle were shipped East or sold to ranchers from Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming, Dakota, and Colorado. Indian agencies and mining camps provided an early market for Ogallala beef.
Ogallala, the cowtown, was a lively and colorful segment of the American West and the chief gateway to the newly opened ranges of the northern plains. By 1884 the trail driving days were virtually ended and the Old West and Ogallala turned to other ways of life. Cattle remain an important factor in the area along with farming, hydro-electric power and industry.
Erected by Ogallala Chamber of Commerce-Historical
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.
Location. 41° 7.984′ N, 101° 43.265′ W. Marker is in Ogallala, Nebraska, in Keith County. Marker is at the intersection of North Spruce Street (Scenic U.S. 26) and West 10th Street on North Spruce Street. This marker is on the the grounds of the Mansion on the Hill Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1039 North Spruce Street, Ogallala NE 69153, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Boot Hill (approx. ¼ mile away); Boot Hill Kiosk (approx. ¼ mile away); The Trail Boss (approx. ¼ mile away); Keith County Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); KOGA AM & FM (approx. 0.4 miles away); End of the Texas Trail (approx. 0.4 miles away); Standard Oil Gas Station (approx. half a mile away); The Pony Express (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ogallala.
Additional keywords. cattle trail
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 10, 2011
2. Cowboy Capital Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 10, 2011
3. The Mansion of the Hill Museum
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 10, 2011
4. The Mansion of the Hill Museum
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 633 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 1, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
