Near Bridgeport in Morrill County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Courthouse and Jail Rocks
Hundreds of overland emigrants mentioned Courthouse Rock in their diaries. Often called a “castle” or “solitary tower.” the name Courthouse was first used in 1837. One 1845 traveler described the rock as “resembling the ruins of an old castle (which) rises abruptly from the plain… It is difficult to look upon it and not believe that art has something to do with its construction. The voyagers have called it the Courthouse; but it looks infinitely more like the Capitol.”
Courthouse and Jail Rocks, rising some 400 feet above the North Platte Valley, are erosional remnants composed of clay, sandstone, and volcanic ash. The rocks are listed in the National Register of Historic Places and in the Nebraska Natural Areas Register.
Erected by Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 371.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Landmarks . In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.
Location. 41° 36.033′ N, 103° 5.928′ W. Marker is near Bridgeport, Nebraska, in Morrill County. Marker is on State Highway 88 near Road 81, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bridgeport NE 69336, 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. Oregon Trail (approx. 3.8 miles away); Dedicated to the Early Pioneers (approx. 4.4 miles away); Amanda Lamme (approx. 5 miles away); Guiding Landmarks (approx. 5 miles away); Bridgeport, Nebraska (approx. 5 miles away); Dedicated to the Unknown Soldier (approx. 5.3 miles away); a different marker also named Oregon Trail (approx. 5.4 miles away); Mormon Pioneer Camp (approx. 5˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bridgeport.
More about this marker. This marker is .3 mile north of Seybolt Park
Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 732 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on December 5, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.