Near Chappell in Deuel County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Historic Lodgepole Creek Valley
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 16, 2016
1. Historic Lodgepole Creek Valley Marker
Inscription.
Historic Lodgepole Creek Valley. . Here is the valley of Lodgepole Creek through which passed historic trails, telegraph lines, and railroads. The famed Pony Express followed the valley in 1860-61. "Nine Mile" Pony Express station was located just southeast of present Chappell; "Pole Creek No. 2" station was a few miles west of here. Near Sidney, the Pony Express trail turned northwestward, passing Mud Springs station and Courthouse Rock en route to the North Platte River. In 1861 the first transcontinental telegraph line was built through the valley. Stagecoaches of the Central Overland Route soon followed, carrying passengers and mail. Former Pony express stations continued to serve the stage line, providing lodging and provisions for travelers. When the tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad reached here in 1867, wagon and stagecoach travel declined. Today modern highways retrace historic trails through the valley. Two miles east is Chappell, at first only a railroad siding. The townsite was surveyed in 1884 and a post office was established two years later. Chappell became the county seat of Deuel County in 1894.
Here is the valley of Lodgepole Creek through which passed historic trails, telegraph lines, and railroads. The famed Pony Express followed the valley in 1860-61. "Nine Mile" Pony Express station was located just southeast of present Chappell; "Pole Creek No. 2" station was a few miles west of here. Near Sidney, the Pony Express trail turned northwestward, passing Mud Springs station and Courthouse Rock en route to the North Platte River. In 1861 the first transcontinental telegraph line was built through the valley. Stagecoaches of the Central Overland Route soon followed, carrying passengers and mail. Former Pony express stations continued to serve the stage line, providing lodging and provisions for travelers. When the tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad reached here in 1867, wagon and stagecoach travel declined. Today modern highways retrace historic trails through the valley. Two miles east is Chappell, at first only a railroad siding. The townsite was surveyed in 1884 and a post office was established two years later. Chappell became the county seat of Deuel County in 1894.
Erected by Deuel County Historical Society, Department of Roads and Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 316.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars
Location. 41° 5.022′ N, 102° 28.261′ W. Marker is near Chappell, Nebraska, in Deuel County. Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 25A and County Route 165, on the right when traveling north on State Highway 25A. The marker is in the “Chappell Pony Express Park”, with multiple monuments
at exit 85 off Interstate 80. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chappell NE 69129, United States of America. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. I believe this marker originally stood in a now abandoned rest area at mile 83 of I-80.
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 16, 2016
3. Historic Lodgepole Creek Valley Marker
There are multiple markers at this site
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 16, 2016
4. Historic Lodgepole Creek Valley Marker
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 16, 2016
5. Historic Lodgepole Creek Valley Marker
Other markers on the site
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 16, 2016
6. Historic Lodgepole Creek Valley Marker
Adjacent time capsule
Credits. This page was last revised on May 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 559 times since then and 57 times this year. Last updated on May 14, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 30, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. 5, 6. submitted on December 2, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
