Near Ogallala in Keith County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Ogallala and the Platte Valley

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, November 25, 2012

1. Ogallala and the Platte Valley Marker

Inscription. This region holds much that is significant to the history of the West. At this point, I-80 follows the route of the Overland Trail, along the South Platte River. Leaving the South Platte near here, the trail continued up the North Platte Valley, today route of U.S Highway 26. Beginning in 1841, an estimated quarter of a million travelers crossed the plains over this great natural highway. Oregon and California were early goals, and the Platte Valley later became an important freighting and military route. The Pony Express used the Platte River Road, and when the first trans-continental railroad was completed in 1869, it too followed the valley.

Nearby Ogallala was a wild and woolly cowtown from 1875 to 1885 when it was the northern terminus of the Texas Trail. Located on the Union Pacific Railroad, the town was a shipping point for great herds of Texas Longhorns, and the chief gateway to the newly opened ranges of the Northern Plains. Boot Hill, which still survives, was the final resting place for many who helped make Ogallala the Cowboy Capital of Nebraska.

Erected by Nebraska Department of Roads/Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 97.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles.

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In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.

Location. 41° 7.211′ N, 101° 36.228′ W. Marker is near Ogallala, Nebraska, in Keith County. Marker can be reached from Interstate 80, on the right when traveling west. This marker is located at the Roscoe Rest Area on the north side of Interstate 80. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ogallala NE 69153, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Court House Rock, Chimney Rock and Scott’s Bluffs (here, next to this marker); Ash Hollow (here, next to this marker); Escape of the Northern Cheyenne (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Great Platte River Road (approx. 6 miles away); a different marker also named The Great Platte River Road (approx. 6 miles away); End of the Texas Trail (approx. 6 miles away); Highways 26 and 92 (approx. 6 miles away); Standard Oil Gas Station (approx. 6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ogallala.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, November 25, 2012

2. Ogallala and the Platte Valley Marker

Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, June 29, 2023

3. Ogallala and the Platte Valley Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 683 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 18, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on July 9, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.