Near Milford in Seward County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Big Blue River
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 23, 2014
1. The Big Blue River Marker
Inscription.
Except for the occasional Indian or white hunting parties, the scenic valley of the Big Blue River was seldom visited prior to 1860. The establishment of the Nebraska City-Fort Kearny Cutoff in 1861 brought through the region thousands of overland freighting outfits, which crossed the river several miles south of here. Road Ranches were soon established along the trail, and scattered settlement began shortly thereafter. The Big Blue River played an important role in the history of the area and provided the necessary power for numerous water mills used in grinding grain for pioneer farmers. In the early years of the 20th Century, its waters provided energy for the first primitive electric plants.
While spring floods are common in the area damage is usually minimal due in part to the limited drainage of the river. This pleasant, rural valley is only twenty miles west of Lincoln, the state capital of Nebraska. Those traveling east will soon see Nebraska's Capitol, the "Tower of the Plains," designed by Bertram Goodhue and recognized as one of the architectural masterpieces of the world. Little more than a cluster of homes
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on the prairie when chosen as the state capital in 1867, Lincoln has developed into a major Nebraska cultural and population center.
Erected by Department of Roads and Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 180.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.
Location. 40° 49.282′ N, 97° 3.646′ W. Marker is near Milford, Nebraska, in Seward County. It can be reached from Interstate 80 at milepost 380.5, on the right when traveling east. Marker is in the east bound rest area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Milford NE 68405, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Nebraska and in Greater Lincoln. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and on the prairies. 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.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 16, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,057 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 16, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
