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

Ash Hollow

Gateway to the Northern Platte Valley

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, November 25, 2012

1. Ash Hollow Marker

Inscription. Although some wagon trains continued to follow the South Platte, most crossed at one of several fords in this area and took a northwesterly route toward the North Platte River. The trail then followed the North Platte Valley through the remainder of Nebraska. Today’s traveler, by following U.S. Highway 26 northwest of Ogallala, will encounter several noted landmarks along this portion of the Platte River Road. On of these is Ash Hollow, a picturesque canyon, near present-day Lewellen. Because of the steepness of the descent, this part of the trail presented one of the most serious obstacles yet faced by the emigrants. Offering spectacular scenery as well as wood and water, Ash Hollow is mentioned in many overland diaries. Several graves, including that of young Rachel Pattison who died of cholera in 1849, testify to the rigors of the overland journey.

Northwest of Ash Hollow on Blue Water Creek was the site of a significant Indian battle in 1855. Often known as the Battle of Ash Hollow, this fight resulted in the defeat of Little Thunder’s band of Brule Sioux by United States Troops under General William S. Harney.

Erected by Nebraska

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Department of Roads/Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 98.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 41° 7.211′ N, 101° 36.226′ W. Marker is near Ogallala, Nebraska, in Keith County. It is on Interstate 80, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ogallala and the Platte Valley (here, next to this marker); Court House Rock, Chimney Rock and Scott’s Bluffs (here,

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, November 25, 2012

2. Ash Hollow Marker

next to this marker); Escape of the Northern Cheyenne (approx. 0.9 miles away); Gills Added Station (approx. 0.9 miles away); Alkalie Original Station (approx. 4.4 miles away); Alkali Station (approx. 4½ miles away); The Great Platte River Road (approx. 6 miles away); a different marker also named The Great Platte River Road (approx. 6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ogallala.

Regarding Ash Hollow. This marker is located at the Roscoe Rest Area on the north side of Interstate 80.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 903 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 18, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.