Big Springs in Deuel County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Sam Bass and the Big Springs Robbery

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 12, 2011

1. Sam Bass and the Big Springs Robbery Marker

Inscription. The first and greatest robbery of a Union Pacific train took place near here on the night of September 18, 1877. The legendary Sam Bass and five companions, after capturing John Barnhart, station-master, and destroying the telegraph, forced Union Pacific express train No. 4 to halt.

A reported $60,000 in new $20 gold pieces and currency was taken from the express car. While about a thousand dollars and a number of watches were taken from passengers. The accumulated loot from this, the Big Springs Robbery, it is said, was divided by the outlaws, beneath the Lone Tree then growing on the north side of the river. After making the division, the robbers then split into pairs and fled their pursuers.

Joel Collins and Bill Heffridge were killed at Buffalo, Kansas. Jim Berry was killed near Mexico, Missouri, while Tom Nixon and Jack Davis were never located. After forming another band and robbing four trains in Texas, Sam Bass was killed by Texas Rangers at Round Rock, Texas, on July 21, 1878: it was his 27th birthday. His epitaph reads “A Brave Man Reposes In Death Here. Why Was He Not True?”

Erected by Big Springs Garden Club/Historical Land Mark Council. (Marker Number 37.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events

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. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1912.

Location. 41° 3.719′ N, 102° 4.517′ W. Marker is in Big Springs, Nebraska, in Deuel County. Marker is at the intersection of Railroad Street (State Highway 138) and Pine Street (State Highway 138) on Railroad Street. This marker is located in Railroad (Eiker) Park in Big Springs. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Big Springs NE 69122, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Waterman Sod House (here, next to this marker); Phelps Hotel (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Pony Express (about 500 feet away); The Lone Tree (about 600 feet away); The Big Spring (approx. ¼ mile away); South Platte Station (approx. 4 miles away); Deuel County Nebraska (approx. 4.3 miles away); Keith County Nebraska (approx. 4.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Big Springs.

Also see . . . Sam Bass - Wikpedia. (Submitted on January 1, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Additional keywords. outlaws, crime

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 12, 2011

2. Sam Bass and the Big Springs Robbery Marker

The marker is on the right.

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 1,128 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 1, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.