When most people imagine Nebraska, they picture vast stretches of farmland extending to the horizon. A largely flat landscape devoid of natural beauty. While that may be an accurate description for parts of Nebraska, the western part of the state contains numerous Oregon Trail landmarks, many of which are quite picturesque.
The most notable of these landmarks are Chimney Rock, Scotts Bluff, and Courthouse and Jail Rocks. All 3 are interesting geologic formations, which stand in stark contrast to the surrounding landscape. While somewhat forgotten today, all 3 served as important landmarks along the Oregon Trail, measuring the pioneer’s westward progress. The most famous was Chimney Rock, which is referenced in the emigrant’s journals more than any other Oregon Trail landmark.
Perhaps my favorite reference to Chimney Rock comes from the diary of Elisha Perkins, a young man from Ohio, who traveled across the Oregon Trail in 1849, seeking riches in the California Gold Rush. Many pioneers felt the same way, and talked about Chimney Rock in their own journals, although maybe not as elegantly as Elisha Perkins.
“. . . camped opposite to & about 1 mile from Chimney Rock. I had some curiosity to see this . . . Imagine a pyramid standing alone though surrounded by rocky precipices some 150 feet high & at its base 20 feet through . . . No conception can be formed of the magnitude of this grand work of nature until you stand at its base & look up. If a man does not feel like an insect then I don’t know when he should.”
While Chimney Rock was the most famous landmark among the Oregon Trail pioneers, my personal favorite is Scotts Bluff. Scotts Bluff National Monument sits along the North Platte River, and towers an impressive 800 feet above the surrounding valley. The hike to the top of Scotts Bluff is well worth the effort, as the views from the top are spectacular. Just looking at the pictures, would you guess this was in Nebraska? My guess is Nebraska would be pretty far down the list of guesses. Regardless, Scotts Bluff is a beautiful natural wonder, and I’m glad I got to see it.
The final landmark in the area worth mentioning is Courthouse and Jail Rocks. In my opinion it’s the least impressive of the three, but was still worth seeing. This was also the only landmark that lacked a visitor center or official viewing area. The only reference to the rocks was a small historic marker, placed alongside a country road. The rocks are now surrounded by small family farms, and if you didn’t already know their significance, it would be easy to pass by without much consideration. What was once a famous Oregon Trail landmark, is now largely forgotten, but I suppose that elevates it to hidden gem status.
Oregon Trail landmarks aren’t going to top anyone’s bucket list, but if you’re road tripping across the Midwest, they are well worth a stop. The Oregon Trail is a great piece of American history, and the Nebraska landmarks are a cool way to experience it.
I would have never guessed so much could have been said about Nebraska. 😊
My only experience with Nebraska was Omaha. Not much to write home about. And your right, I just figured it was flat farmland with nothing to see. This is a great post – interesting sites that would have been pretty amazing for pioneers traveling across this great land.