Crossing the Overland Trail
Posted by: 
NevaP
N 41° 08.285 W 101° 05.736
14T E 324119 N 4556202
This marker stands by the still remaining traces of the great Overland Trail.
Waymark Code: WM1MY3
Location: Nebraska, United States
Date Posted: 06/04/2007
Views: 67
Faint remnants of the Overland trail are visible at this marker. Wagon wheels have been placed to mark the trail ruts.
The text of the marker reads:
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 roadway. However, except in narrow spots such as this, the actual route through the Platte Valley during any given year varied considerably, depending upon such factors as soil conditions and the availability of grass for the animals. Traveling an average of fifteen to twenty miles a day in various conveyances, the emigrants spent from four to six months on the trail during the long trek from the Missouri River to Oregon or California. At best, the journey was arduous, often marked only by the dusty monotony of daily routine. At other times, disease and Indian attacks were very real dangers, and the number of fresh graves along the road bore testimony to the sacrifices made by many pioneers. Some emigrants were better equipped than others, some were wiser, some were simply luckier; but all suffered weariness, hardship and danger. However, as the many overland diaries and letters testify, this was a great human experience, one which was vital to the settlement of the West.
The marker, #109 was placed by the Department of Roads and the
Historical Land Mark Council.
This eastbound rest area also has another historical marker and two geocaches.
Marker Name: Crossing the Overland Trail
Roadside: yes
Web Address if available:: [Web Link]
City: Not Listed
Other: 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!