Gering in Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Scotts Bluff
The Oregon Trail passed through here in the 1850’s
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 3, 2015
1. Scotts Bluff Marker
You are standing on the northern section of Scotts Bluff, looking across to the southern section. On the horizon the Wildcat Hills stretch far to the east (left). Below, the route of the Oregon Trail cuts through Mitchell Pass. A few traces of the old wagon trail are still visible.
All the bluffs you can see here were known to the pioneers as “Scotts Bluffs.” These impressive rocks signaled the completion of the monotonous 600-mile trek across the plains. Weary travelers found spring water and firewood here, and a sheltered place to camp.
During the 1840’s, steep-walled ravines forced wagon trains to bypass Scotts Bluff. The Oregon Trail veered away from the North Platte River and crossed Roubadeau Pass, 8 miles (13 km) west of here. With engineering assistance from the U.S. Army, the Mitchell Pass route opened in 1851.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1851.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 41° 50.091′ N, 103° 41.984′ W. Marker was in Gering, Nebraska
this page online
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A Landscape Changed Forever (here, next to this marker); Before the Wagons (a few steps from this marker); The Many Faces of the Trail (a few steps from this marker); Remnant Highlands (within shouting distance of this marker); A Landmark for the Ages (approx. 0.2 miles away); Saddle Rock Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); Eroding Landmark (approx. ¼ mile away); Scott Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gering.
More about this marker. The right side of the marker contains a map of the portion of Scotts Bluff that is seen from the marker. It shows the Route of the Oregon Trail and local landmarks, including Mitchell Pass, Dome Rock, Wildcat Hills, Crown Rock, South Bluff, Sentinel Rock, Eagle Rock, Summit Road, Saddle Rock
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 3, 2015
2. Scotts Bluff Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 3, 2015
3. Scotts Bluff Marker
The Scotts Bluff marker is the rightmost marker seen here.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 3, 2015
4. Markers at Scotts Bluff
Several markers can be found at this location. The Scotts Bluff marker is seen here on the right.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 469 times since then and 9 times this year. Last updated on September 13, 2020, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 17, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
