This park surprised us! The history was far more interesting than we expected it to be.
We also thought we would be looking at corn fields as far as the eye could see. Instead, we were looking at these beautiful bluffs.
Scott’s Bluff was named after a young man named Hiram Scott who worked for the Rocky Mtn. Fur Company in the 1820s. Journal details reveal he died in 1828 near these bluffs.
We are used to snakes in the southwest and didnt realize that rattlesnakes were prevalent in this part of the country.
Most of the emigrants who came west on the Oregon Trail, the Mormon Trail, the Pony Express and the Gold Rush to California came thru Scott’s Bluff.
Many stopped to carve their name into Chimney Rock along the way.
Chimney Rock National Historic Site is about a 30 minute drive from Scott’s Bluff. TAlso, the Chimney Rock Visitor Center is managed by the Nebraska State parks. They charge a fee ($3/person) and give discounts if you have a National Park Pass.
In the Visitor Center there are drawings and writen descriptions from travelers dating back into the mid-1800’s. It was facinating to read some of the journal entries and see some of the drawings done from that time.
If you come to either of these parks plan to watch the 15 min movie at each place. They explain so much about the history of this part of the country.
Love the write up about the history, especially the original records of the settlers.
Bill’s grandfather was an original settler in the area he grew up in!
Another piece of great history of our United States of America….and it is only about 2 centuries ago!!
Enjoy the journey and take care!
Very interesting!
Been through Nebraska multiple time, as you go east on 80 you will see plenty of corn and smell many cattle feed lots.