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

The Big Spring

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 12, 2011

1. The Big Spring Marker

Inscription. Pioneers traveling west on the Oregon Trail discovered this spring that Plains Indians had frequented for centuries. It provided an oasis for man and beast alike in the “Great American Desert.’ In 1867, Union Pacific railroad workers named it “Big Spring”, and the area was officially designated “Big Springs” in 1884. During that era, a pipe was laid from the spring to the tracks. The water was used for steam locomotives until 1907. Meanwhile homesteaders enjoyed the spring for drinking, baptisms, and ice skating on the pond it created.

Despite truckloads of rock dumped in the spring to curb the flow, it continues to run. In 1962, the Big Spring Garden Club beautified the spring and park area. In 1997, the community and South Platte Schools worked together on a renovation that included walkways, a new bridge, and tree plantings.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Oregon Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.

Location. 41° 3.897′ N, 102° 4.61′ W. Marker is in Big Springs, Nebraska, in Deuel County. Marker can be reached from West Second Street. This marker is located in the park on West Second Street between

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Oak and Maple Streets. 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. The Lone Tree (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Pony Express (approx. 0.2 miles away); Phelps Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sam Bass and the Big Springs Robbery (approx. ¼ mile away); Waterman Sod House (approx. ¼ mile away); South Platte Station (approx. 4 miles away); Deuel County Nebraska (approx. 4½ miles away); Keith County Nebraska (approx. 4½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Big Springs.

Additional keywords. Oregon California Trail

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 12, 2011

2. The Big Spring Marker

The Big Spring image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 12, 2011

3. The Big Spring

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 2, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 880 times since then and 23 times this year. Last updated on January 9, 2012, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 2, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.