Near David City in Butler County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Shinn's Ferry

Photographed By Bob Pasonault, December 19, 2010

1. Shinn's Ferry Marker

Inscription. Moses Shinn and his son Dick began operating Shinn's Ferry across the Platte in 1859. The original site was near Savannah, the first Butler County seat, and a short distance from the present Schuyler bridge. Just above this location the Platte was joined by the Loup River, providing ample water for the operation of a ferry. Farther west, the Platte could be crossed only by fording.

Between 1859-1872, thousands of wagons and travelers crossed at Shinn's Ferry, some en route to Ft. Kearny via the south bank of the Platte, and others representing local traffic between Butler and Colfax counties: Moses Shinn, a religious man, reportedly held daily services for travelers using the ferry.

The original ferry was accidentally destroyed in 1865. A replacement was used until a bridge was constructed at Schuyler in 1872. The demise of Shinn's Ferry, and the removal of the Butler county seat to David City in 1873, doomed the town of Savannah which at one time boated the courthouse, a hotel, stores and a blacksmith shop. No traces of Savannah survive today.

Erected by Butler County Historical Society & Nebraska Historical Society. (Marker Number 252.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers

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• Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.

Location. 41° 20.217′ N, 97° 8.351′ W. Marker is near David City, Nebraska, in Butler County. Marker is on Road 41 close to Road M, on the right. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bellwood NE 68624, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Site of Savannah (here, next to this marker); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (approx. 6.4 miles away); Shell Creek Pawnee Settlements (approx. 11.6 miles away); Agricultural Park (approx. 12.2 miles away); Columbus Powerhouse (approx. 13.1 miles away).

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2010, by Bob Pasonault of Columbus, Nebraska. This page has been viewed 1,256 times since then and 14 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on December 19, 2010, by Bob Pasonault of Columbus, Nebraska. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.

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