Nebraska's I-80 Bicentennial Sculptures
The American Bicentennial was a time for pondering the past and speculating about the future. Nebraskans commissioned a series of modernistic sculptures for Interstate highway rest areas that would dramatize this meeting of past and future.
More than a hundred artists entered the competition, out of which eight were selected. Each artist was provided a place to work in a community near the rest area where the work was to be exhibited.
The project was, and still is, controversial. No one agrees on what each sculpture means. So much the better. In the spirit of American liberty, people are free to think, feel and talk about them as they like. Take time to see the unique sculptures as you drive through Nebraska.
1. "Arrival"
by Paul Von Ringelheim
(Blue River eastbound rest area)
2. "Crossing the Plains"
by Bradford Graves
(York westbound rest area)
3. "Memorial to the American Bandshell"
by Richard Field
(Platte River eastbound rest area)
4. "Nebraska Wind Sculpture"
by George Baker
(Kearny westbound rest area)
5. "Roadway Confluence"
by Hans Van de Bovenkanp
(Sidney westbound rest area)
6. "Up/Over"
by Linda Howard
(Ogallala westbound rest area)
7. "Nebraskan Gateway"
by Anthony Padovano
(Brady
this page online
8. "Erma's Desire"
by John Raimondi
(Grand Island eastbound rest area)
Photos courtesy
Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the The Spirit of ’76, America’s Bicentennial Celebration series list.
Location. 40° 49.367′ N, 97° 33.425′ W. Marker is near York, Nebraska, in York County. Marker is on Interstate 80 at milepost 355.2, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: York I-80 Rest Area Westbound, York NE 68467, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Moving People and Goods on the Overland Trail (here, next to this marker); Nebraska City-Fort Kearny Cut-Off (here, next to this marker); The Purple Heart (a few steps from this marker); Nebraska City Cut-Off of the Oregon Trail (approx. 3.2 miles away); York County Veterans Memorial (approx. 3.6 miles away); Nebraska City - Fort Kearny Cut-Off (approx. 4˝ miles away); Nebraska 4-H Clubs Began in York County (approx. 4.6 miles away); Bradshaw (approx. 10.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in York.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 21, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,187 times since then and 105 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 21, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3, 4. submitted on December 22, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
