Sutherland in Lincoln County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Crossing the Overland Trail
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 3, 2015
1. Crossing the Overland Trail Marker
Beneath this platform, evidence of the great westward migration still remains. These shallow depressions were once deep ruts created by thousands of hooves, shoes and wheels. The Overland Trail is often visualized as a single well-defined roadway. However, except in narrow spots such as this, the actual route through the Platte Valley during any given year varied considerably, depending upon such factors as soil conditions and the availability of grass for the animals. Traveling an average of fifteen to twenty miles a day in various conveyances, the emigrants spent from four to six months on the trail during the long trek from the Missouri River to Oregon or California. At best, the journey was arduous, often marked only by the dusty monotony of daily routine. At other times, disease and Indian attacks were very real dangers, and the number of fresh graves along the road bore testimony to the sacrifices made by many pioneers. Some emigrants were better equipped than others, some were wiser, some were simply luckier; but all suffered weariness, hardship and danger. However, as the many overland diaries and letters
this page online
Erected by Department of Roads – Historical Land Mark Council. (Marker Number 109.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list.
Location. 41° 8.285′ N, 101° 5.736′ W. Marker is in Sutherland, Nebraska, in Lincoln County. It is on Interstate 80 at milepost 159, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located at the Rest Area at mile marker 159. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sutherland NE 69165, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Nebraska and in the Platte River Valley. 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
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 3, 2015
2. Crossing the Overland Trail Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Great Platte River Road (within shouting distance of this marker); Purple Heart Trail (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Great Platte River Road (approx. 0.4 miles away).
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 3, 2015
3. Crossing the Overland Trail Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 3, 2015
4. Evidence of the Overland Trail
This view from the marker shows depressions made by thousands of travelers heading west.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 576 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 15, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
