JOHN HOLLMAN GRAVE
N 41° 22.720 W 102° 20.872
13T E 721777 N 4584188
Only seven identifiable graves remain of an estimated at least 20,000 persons died on the overland trail. This averages ten graves per mile over the 2,000 mile trail.
Waymark Code: WM3T2B
Location: Nebraska, United States
Date Posted: 05/13/2008
Views: 12
It has been estimated that at least 20,000 persons died on the overland trail, between 1842 and 1859. This averages ten graves per mile over the 2,000 mile trail. Of the hundreds who died while crossing Nebraska, only seven identifiable graves remain.
Most trail graves had crude wooden or animal-bone markers. A very few had formal stones or iron wagon wheel rims. The nearby grave of John Hollman, like others in Western Nebraska, was marked by a roughly fashioned local rock. Though most of the others have disappeared, Hollman's still stands, its crude lettering giving his name and that he died in June 1852.
Many overland travelers died from accidents, while a few were killed by Indians. The great majority died from disease. Asiatic cholera was the main killer, coming up the Mississippi from New Orleans. Parties crossing Missouri spread it across the Plains. It is not known how John Hollman died, but 1852 was a very bad cholera year and numerous deaths were recorded in this vicinity. Wagon ruts are still visible in parts of Garden County. Local rock formations were commented upon by many diarists. These remain today as a part of our historical heritage. The adjacent directional stone marker has been moved from its original site.
Historical Society of Garden County
Nebraska State Historical Society
Hwy, 27, south of Oshkosh
Garden County
Marker 246
Marker Name: JOHN HOLLMAN GRAVE
Roadside: yes
Web Address if available:: [Web Link]
City: Not Listed
Other: Not Listed
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1. Close up of historical marker
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