Central Platte Valley
Posted by: 
Markerman62
N 40° 48.702 W 099° 54.050
14T E 424023 N 4518244
Located in the westbound rest area of I-80 near Cozad.
Waymark Code: WMPR5N
Location: Nebraska, United States
Date Posted: 10/11/2015
Views: 1
Here in Dawson County, much of the early history is concerned with the pioneer trails to the west. The Mormon Trail to Utah and the first transcontinental railroad passed through here on the north side of the Platte River; the Oregon Trail and the Pony Express followed the south side of the Platte.
Indian trouble was not uncommon here in the early days of settlement. The Plum Creek Massacre occurred in 1864 when Sioux Indians attacked a wagon train, killing sevral men and taking prisoners at a site near here in Phelps County. Also near here, in 1867, a group of Cheyenne led by Chief Turkey Leg cut the telegraph line, derailed a locomotive, and killed several Union Pacific Railroad employees.
The 100th Meridian, on which the nearby town of Cozad is now located, was considered an important goal in the building of the first transcontinental railroad. When the tracks reached this point in 1866, some 250 businessmen, senators, congressmen and other notables came here to celebrate. The 100th Meridian is often cited as the "line of aridity," west of which rainfall is usually insufficient to support non-irrigated agriculture.
Nebraska Marker Number 181
Marker Name: Central Platte Valley
City: no
Roadside: yes
Other: no
Web Address if available:: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Post Pictures:
1. Close up of historical marker
2. Picture of surrounding area (would prefer to have the marker in the picture also). Thanks!