The large hill to the north, which became known as “California Hill,” was climbed by thousands of covered wagon emigrants heading west between 1841 and 1860. Many were bound for Oregon. California became the destination of the majority of travelers . . . — — Map (db m51229) HM
Diamond Springs Original Station
April 3, 1860- November 20, 1861
Reverse
"Diamond Springs" was one of
the original relay stations
of the 1860-1861 Pony Express. This is where a
rider would exchange horses
and then continue . . . — — Map (db m252480) HM
Although some wagon trains continued to follow the South Platte, most crossed at one of several fords in this area and took a northwesterly route toward the North Platte River. The trail then followed the North Platte Valley through the remainder of . . . — — Map (db m61967) HM
Boot Hill was the final resting place for many early westerners who helped make Ogallala a booming cowtown in the 1870’s and 1880’s. These people, the cowboys, settlers, and drifters, came to Ogallala when the railroad and the Texas Trail opened a . . . — — Map (db m51223) HM
[The Boot Hill Kiosk contains 5 panels each dealing with an aspect of the history of Boot Hill.]
[Panel 1]
Boot Hill Chronicles
1803 – The United States buys land from France known as the Louisiana Purchase including the . . . — — Map (db m51394) HM
Many emigrants to Oregon or California had to ford the South Platte River to continue their trek up the North Platte River to South Pass. The most important ford, known as the Old California Crossing, was a few miles west of present-day Ogallala. . . . — — Map (db m50790) HM
For the 215 miles from the Nebraska-Colorado Line to Grand Island. Interstate 80 parallels the Platte River. This broad flat valley is underlain by deposits of sand and gravel washing in from the Rock Mountains. These deposits contain large . . . — — Map (db m277824) HM
Traveling northwest from Ash Hollow, the emigrants encountered three natural features of the North Platte Valley which became well-known milestones. First was Court House Rock, rising abruptly from the plains as the vanguard of the bluffs farther . . . — — Map (db m61968) HM
Named for the Oglala band of Dakota Sioux and located on the Union Pacific Railroad, Ogallala was a lusty cowtown of the Old West. From 1875 to 1886 it was a wild and woolly cowboy capital where gold flowed across the gaming tables, liquor across . . . — — Map (db m51222) HM
An etching of Ogallala appeared in an 1878 issue of American Agriculturalist magazine, depicting the town as the terminus of Texas cattle drives. It shows cattle being driven up the trail, across the South Platte River, and into Union Pacific cattle . . . — — Map (db m50784) HM
By 1878 more than 300 Northern Cheyennes were desperate to escape their hated reservation in Indian Territory (Oklahoma). Led by Dull Knife and Little Wolf, they headed for their homeland in the north, fighting their way across Kansas. At about . . . — — Map (db m178707) HM
Federal Works Agency Public Works Administration John M. Carmody Federal Works Administrator Franklin D. Roosevelt President of the United States — — Map (db m311099) HM
U.S. Highway 26 and Nebraska Highway 92 were designated as Nebraska’s first scenic and historic byway in 1998. The byway begins in Ogallala and goes north and west past Lake McConaughy to Scottsbluff-Gering and the Wyoming border.
Through the . . . — — Map (db m50802) HM
Mayors from ten towns, along with Governor Norbert Tiemann and the Ogallala High School band, participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Ogallala in December 11, 1968, to open the Sutherland to Big Springs segment of Interstate 80. The completion . . . — — Map (db m50800) HM
[Torch and medallions of the five service branches]
Dedicated to all Keith County Veterans
Inscribed are the names of those veterans from Keith County who made the supreme sacrifice in the defense of the freedom we hold so dear.
World War I . . . — — Map (db m51256) WM
Kingsley Dam and Lake McConaughy Kingsley Dam was constructed between 1936 and 1941 to form Lake McConaughy, Nebraska's largest lake and the main storage reservoir for the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District's hydro-irrigation . . . — — Map (db m311094) HM
A small office in the basement of this building was the birthplace of digital audio in the broadcasting industry.
Kevin Lockhart was Operations Manager for KOGA AM & FM; radio stations owned and operated by his father, Ray Lockhart. On December . . . — — Map (db m70369) HM
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, . . . — — Map (db m61966) HM
The Purple Heart medal was originated by General George Washington on August 7, 1782 for distinguished valor and now awarded only to members of the armed forces of the United States who have been wounded in combat against an armed enemy. . . . — — Map (db m277830) HM
One of the earliest cowboys of the many who rode the long trail north from Texas to Ogallala behind a herd of longhorns. Sanders first arrived here about 1869. He rode for William Paxton during the turbulent open range period of Western Nebraska. He . . . — — Map (db m51225) HM
A relay station on the Pony Express Route, 1860-61, often referred to as Gill’s Station located near here at the crossing of the Oregon and Texas Trails. Pony Express stations in Keith County were Alkali, Sand Hill and Diamond Springs.
. . . — — Map (db m122909) HM
This friendly hometown mechanic embodies the spirit of the Lincoln Highway in Keith County. He commemorates a simpler, gentler time, when the attendant would pump your gas, check your oil, and wave you on your way with a smile.
Built in 1922, . . . — — Map (db m70370) HM
For generations Nebraska’s Platte Valley provided a natural east-west travel route for native peoples, fur traders, explorers, emigrants, and the military. The first known passage by white men along the Great Platte River Road in the Keith County . . . — — Map (db m50782) HM
When gold was discovered in 1848, California became the main destination. After 1849 many emigrants and gold seekers began traveling the trail on the north side of the Platte. Throughout the peak migration years, the trail to Oregon or California . . . — — Map (db m50783) HM
The Lincoln Highway was proclaimed the nation’s first coast-to-coast highway in 1913. It connected New York City with San Francisco, crossing twelve states and spanning 2,300 miles. The Lincoln Highway was created by an association of automobile . . . — — Map (db m50799) HM
Mormons traveled the Great Platte River Road to fulfill a religious mission. In the 1840s members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.(Mormons) moved westward to escape religious persecution. Beginning in 1847 they crossed the Plains . . . — — Map (db m50787) HM
The Pony Express operated for only eighteen months, from April 1860 until October, 1861, delivering mail between St. Joseph, Missouri and Sacramento, California. It ceased operating when the transcontinental telegraph line was completed. During its . . . — — Map (db m50785) HM
From the late 1840s through the 1860s, an exodus of more than 70,000 Mormons passed by here on their way to their “New Zion” in Utah. Starting from Nauvoo, Illinois in February 1846, the first group of at least 13,000 Mormons crossed into Iowa to . . . — — Map (db m311097) HM
This statue pays tribute to those courageous men who came up the Texas Trail and recognizes the role of the trail drives played in establishing the beef industry in the northern plains.
Boot Hill, Ogallala’s Pioneer Cemetery, established in the . . . — — Map (db m51224) HM
When the Union Pacific laid track west from Omaha in 1865 the rails also followed the Great Platte River Road. The Union Pacific linked up with the Central Pacific at Promontory, Utah in 1869 to complete the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. . . . — — Map (db m50788) HM
Alkali Station played several important roles as a stopping place on the Overland Trail between 1859 and 1867. Established as a stagecoach relay station. It served as a Pony Express station in 1860-61, then as a base station along the . . . — — Map (db m252451) HM
Gills Added Station
July 1, 1861-November 20, 1861
The name that was used by the Pony Express Company for this station was "Gills". It was also called "Sand Hill" due to the prominent sand hills just north. This was an "added station" needed . . . — — Map (db m253045) HM
A few miles west of here on the south side of the Platte River is the site of Fort McPherson, 1863-1880. During the Indian troubles of the middle 1860's, troops of the post were occupied in keeping the telegraph lines in operation and the mail and . . . — — Map (db m176427) HM
With the discovery of gold in the Rocky Mountains in the late 1850's , overland freighting and travel intensified. Every few miles westward along the trails, enterprising individuals established road ranches which offered lodgings and provision to . . . — — Map (db m174996) HM
The fort was established on the Oregon Trail on the south side of the Platte River in October 1863, on the eve of intensified Indian raids on the Plains.
Built next to the well-known Cottonwood Springs and McDonald ranch, it commanded a . . . — — Map (db m101821) HM
Frontier Fort
In 1863, the U.S. Army sent Gen. George M. O’Brien to select the site for a fort to protect the growing transcontinental railroad and settlers migrating west. Perched above Cottonwood Canyon in the Nebraska Territory, Fort McKean . . . — — Map (db m288799) WM
• Born Feb. 26, 1846 near Le Claire, Iowa
• Pony Express rider in 1860
• Union Army Scout in 1861
• Scout for 5th Cavalry in 1868
• Chief of Scouts against the Sioux 1890
• Stage driver between Ft. Kearney & No Platte Nebr 1865
• . . . — — Map (db m130199) HM
Several hundred spectators and over a thousand cowboys attended the "Cowboy Fun" portion of "The Old Glory Blowout" on July 4,1882 at North Platte, Nebraska. It involved bucking broncs, steer riding and roping and riding a bull buffalo (riding him . . . — — Map (db m252356) HM
The Barn, built in 1887, is 148 feet long, 70 wide, 40 feet high. It required seven railroad cars of lumber for construction. The original rafter ends under the eaves were shaped as gun stocks. Annie Oakley's trademark, the Ace of Hearts with a . . . — — Map (db m125057) HM
The idea for the 20th Century Veterans’ Memorial was conceived by Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Don C. Craig US Army (Infantry) World War II and Robert R. Hinde, Jr. Sergeant US Marine Corp World War II.
The Architectural talents of Robert R. . . . — — Map (db m92532) WM
Blacksmithing is the working of iron. It dates back to around 1400 B.C. and by 1000 B.C. the use of iron had spread to the point that it surpassed copper and gave its name to the Iron Age. Blacksmithing reached its golden age during the High . . . — — Map (db m191898) HM
After the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869, settlers began to establish farms and ranches all around the railroad line and they needed access to the railroad to ship their crops and cattle to market and travel to neighboring . . . — — Map (db m191900) HM
Cody Park - Historic Site
July 4, 1882
Buffalo Bill's Wild West
"Old Glory Blow Out"
First organized rodeo in the United States, presented by William "Buffalo Bill" Cody — — Map (db m252311) HM
This capstan was used when marshy ground made direct pulling with oxen impossible. A cable was unwound from the spool in the center of the capstan and attached to the ditch plow. Teams of oxen or draft horses were hitched to the wooden arm of the . . . — — Map (db m191897) HM
Cody, Frank and Luther North were for a time partners in a ranch located along the Dismal River in Nebraska.
This cabin was their headquarters. The cabin was moved from its original location to the Bratt Ranch in 1882.
Nate Trego later . . . — — Map (db m125054) HM
This "crab" is a reproduction of the original used with the ditch plow. It was pulled into the ground as a wedge and a cable was run through a pulley in its center and back to the plow. Using block & tackle and the crab as an anchor, the oxen pulled . . . — — Map (db m191884) HM
This cabin was built in 1866 by R. E. Rowland out of native cedar found in the hills south of the Platte River. As a freighter to the town of Cottonwood Springs, near Maxwell, Nebraska, Rowland needed living quarters while staying in the area. . . . — — Map (db m242017) HM
This barber shop was first listed for taxes in 1900 according to Court House records. The building, mirrors on the back wall, rack on west side, and the smaller barber pole were those of Dick Neve. Both barber chairs, hat rack, the shelf and . . . — — Map (db m191779) HM
This schoolhouse was located four miles north and four miles west of Hershey, Nebraska and was called "Lower Birdwood". On January 22, 1892, the representatives from both the State of Nebraska and Lincoln County signed an agreement claiming this as . . . — — Map (db m191860) HM
This giant plow was used to dig drainage ditches along the Nemaha River in eastern Nebraska, the Platte River here in Lincoln County, the Medicine Creek south of here in Frontier County, near Big Springs, Nebraska, and in Colorado and Wyoming. . . . — — Map (db m191851) HM
This log, two-story, cedar log structure was built in 1868 or 1869 by Mr. E.E. Ericsson. Each log is shaped and interlocked with the next with a minimal use of square nails. Mr. Ericsson was born in Varmland, Sweden on July 1st, 1835. He arrived . . . — — Map (db m191768) HM
In 1908, Congress appropriated $110,000.00 for the construction of a federal building for North Platte. The Italian Renaissance Revival style building was completed July 26, 1913. The Federal Building served its community as a U.S. Post Office, . . . — — Map (db m252362) HM
The fort near here was established on the Oregon Trail on the south side of the Platte River in October 1863, on the eve of intensified Indian raids on the Plains. Built next to the well-known Cottonwood Springs and McDonald ranches, it commanded a . . . — — Map (db m180897) HM
This log cabin was constructed by the United States Army in the 1860's or 1870's at Fort McPherson. The logs were cut from the hills south of the Platte River near present-day Maxwell, Nebraska. Fort McPherson was established in 1863 by a . . . — — Map (db m191702) HM
This flagpole stood above Fort McPherson from 1877 to 1882 when it was removed and put in storage. It was later donated to the Lincoln County Historical Museum. Of what you can see here today the only original part is the main flagpole itself. The . . . — — Map (db m191703) HM
The Fredericksen House was built on the site of 315 West Third Street in North Platte, Nebraska in about 1899. It was constructed precisely to the specifications that Fred Fredrickson designed himself. The house cost $2,300 and was paid in six . . . — — Map (db m191811) HM
A general store was the Wal-Mart of the 19th Century. It supplied the local community with all the items needed for everyday living. The merchandise reflected the needs of the population, whether it was a farming community or ranching community. The . . . — — Map (db m191767) HM
This is the boyhood home of William "Bill" M. Jeffers, president of the Union Pacific Railroad from 1937-1946. Remarkably he began his career as a janitor & call boy. As president, he prepared the railroad for the coming war and was appointed by . . . — — Map (db m191890) HM
What started as a publicity program by Republic Pictures became a reality for Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. The American Public made him number one or "King of the Cowboys" and likewise Dale Evans "Queen of the West".
Over 80 million motion . . . — — Map (db m252307) HM
This flat iron cage was used by the city of Maxwell, Nebraska as their local jail. Purchased in 1917 for $144.50, it was placed in the fire station. The iron framework inside was for use as a bed with a thin mattress on it. — — Map (db m191784) HM
Mormon pioneers enroute from winter quarters, (Omaha) to the valley of the Great Salt Lake, under the leadership of Brigham Young, camped near here May 11, 1847. While in this vicinity William Clayton made a distance-measuring device which when . . . — — Map (db m180898) HM
The Formation of the Association
North Platte established the Mutual Building and Loan Association in 1887. The association was lead by many prominent leaders and allowed the average citizen to afford a home. By 1914, the Mutual Building and . . . — — Map (db m252374) HM
Let it be known by all that
North Platte's Cody Park
Was the site of the
"Old Glory Blowout"
July 4, 1882.
North Platte citizens, led by a committee of W.F. Cody, I. Dillon, Anth. Ries, L. Eells, M.C. Keith, Jos. Mackle, . . . — — Map (db m252320) HM
In commemoration of the
”Old Glory Blowout” July 4, 1882
This event held in Lincoln County
Nebraska, was the manifestation of a dream
that became a reality as the:
”Buffalo Bill’s Wild West”
and was . . . — — Map (db m125081) HM
These reproduction yokes would sit over the necks of two oxen each. Oxbows, small bent wood rods were placed under the oxen's necks and through the holes in the yokes and secured with pins. This allowed the yoke to secure itself against the oxen's . . . — — Map (db m191894) HM
The Pawnee were one of the most important Native American tribes of the Plains area. By the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries they were living in circular earthlodges in large villages, sometimes including more than a thousand people. . . . — — Map (db m191940) HM
(side 1) Dedicated June 15, 2002
Cold Springs added station
Jul. 1, 1861 – Nov. 20, 1861
Located 1600’ south by Lincoln County
James Stretesky Nebraskaland Days, Inc.
Nebraskaland National Bank
North Platte/Lincoln . . . — — Map (db m125063) HM
This log blacksmith shop and its sister station building, which was a two-story log house, were originally located on the Upper 96 Ranch four miles east of Fort McPherson near the Sam Machette Canyon. In 1931, the log house was dismantled and taken . . . — — Map (db m191700) HM
William Frederick Cody (1846-1917), known to the world a "Buffalo Bill," was the most noted Nebraskan of his day. The Many national and European tours of his various "Wild West" exhibitions made him the living symbol of the American West.
Cody . . . — — Map (db m125056) HM
Built in 1886 at a cost of $3,900.00 Cody left planning of the house to his sister, Julia Goodman. Patrick Walsh was contracted to build the two-story, nine room house, with its numerous closets and pantries. The house is in second Empire Style with . . . — — Map (db m125059) HM
Scout's Rest Ranch
Headquarters
has been designated a
National Historic Landmark
Scout's Rest Ranch Headquarters served as the primary home, center of entertainment business operations, cattle and horse ranch, and publicity tool . . . — — Map (db m253048) HM
Sioux Lookout, the highest point in Lincoln County, was a prominent landmark on the overland trails.
From its lofty summit the development of the West unfolded before the eyes of the Sioux and other Indians.
Trappers and traders came by here . . . — — Map (db m107393) HM
This building was a cellar used to keep fruits, vegetables, milk, etc… cool during the summer. A natural spring kept fresh, cool water in the cement tub located inside. At Cody's time there were steel racks inside that they stored food items on. . . . — — Map (db m125058) HM
With the faith and courage of their forefathers who made
possible the freedom of these United States
The Boy Scouts of America
dedicate this copy of the
Statue of Liberty as a pledge of everlasting fidelity and
loyalty The Crusade . . . — — Map (db m125079) HM
This cabin built in 1867
and restored by Sioux Lookout Chapter D. A. R. 1924 in honor of the early pioneers of North Platte, Nebraska — — Map (db m242273) HM
100-CA-7 class cabooses were built in Union Pacific shops in Omaha, Nebraska in 1959, numbered 25400 thru 25499. This caboose was updated in 1975 with federally approved toilets, axle-driven alternators, and other items necessary for system-wide . . . — — Map (db m191899) HM
This shield is from the North Platte, NE. Union Pacific Depot 3-20-1918 to 11-1-1973 Home of WWII Canteen 12-25-1941 to 4-1-1946 — — Map (db m191939) HM
The scourge of every war has been service personnel that are missing in action or have not been accounted for as prisoners of war, and sadly, there is no definite closure for the loved ones, friends and comrades in arms of those for whom there has . . . — — Map (db m107399) HM
You are standing in front of a typical scene found in most farmyards in Lincoln County. A windmill and cistern were vital to the survival of both humans and livestock, especially during the hot, dry Nebraska summers. The windmill allowed farmers and . . . — — Map (db m191774) HM
Beneath this platform, evidence of the great westward migration still remains. These shallow depressions were once deep ruts created by thousands of hooves, shoes and wheels. The Overland Trail is often visualized as a single well-defined . . . — — Map (db m88677) HM
The Purple Heart medal was originated by General George Washington on August 7, 1782 for distinguished valor and is now awarded only to members of the armed forces of the United States who have been wounded in combat against an armed enemy. . . . — — Map (db m89175) HM
This is the Platte River Valley, America’s great road west. It provided a natural pathway for westward expansion across the continent during the nineteenth century. Here passed the Oregon Trail, following the South Platte River along much the same . . . — — Map (db m227919) HM
This is the Platte River Valley, America's great road west. It provided a natural pathway for westward expansion across the continent during the nineteenth century. Here passed the Oregon Trail, following the South Platte River along much the same . . . — — Map (db m227920) HM
In honor of those from our community who served our country in World War II Allison, Welby • Anderson, Deane S. • Baker, Glen • Beck, Frank • Benjamin, Wilber • Bennett, Milo S. • Beran, John • Bond, Geo. W. • Bright, Albert • Campbell, Robert D. • . . . — — Map (db m305899) WM
Settlement promoted by the Kinkaid Act of 1904 was directly responsible for the establishment of Valleyview, originally called Riverview. In February 1912 Walter Hesselgesser and Earl Cronk opened Valleyview Store, which included a grocery, living . . . — — Map (db m189343) HM
In 1908 John Harrop, originally from Roca, Nebraska, filed a homestead claim just west of the
Calamus River about thirteen miles north of Taylor in Loup County. Harrop acquired 640 acres
under the Kinkaid Act of 1904, which had been passed to . . . — — Map (db m77919) HM
In April 1873, Headquarters, Department of the Platte at Omaha, ordered a military scout of the North and Middle Loup River Valleys. The detachment of soldiers was commanded by Captain John Mix of Company M, of the Second Cavalry, and guided by . . . — — Map (db m179395) HM
Jenner’s Zoological, Educational, and Amusement Park was the creation of Henry Jenner and his brother, Robert Bond Jenner. These young Englishmen left London for Nebraska in the 1880s, making them early pioneers of the area. Originally built about . . . — — Map (db m181112) HM
