In Western Nebraska
From the 1830s immigrants were leaving from Western Missouri to go overland to the West. First to the promising farming lands of Oregon, then to the goldfields of California. Mormons were also traveling West to spread the faith. Immigrants were traveling by big groups with covered wagons full of their personal items, with horses and cattle. Contrary to what most think, they were not traveling in the wagon, but by foot. Only sick or children too young to walk would have a spot in a wagon. Both the Oregon and California trails as well as the Mormon trails were crossing Nebraska. 20000 people lost their lives on the way, from disease or accident. The travelers would see Chimney Rock on their way, a landmark meaning they had done ⅓ of the trip, and rugged landscapes were awaiting behind. But it was also a victory feeling. People were amazed, it was the first time they would see a exotic view like this. Chimney Rock is part of a series of bluffs in the Platte valley. The California and Oregon trails stopped being used when the railway was built from Missouri to the West in the 1860s.
In the evening we go to the Scotts bluff county fair. A great place for people-watch. They’re having a mud drags event. Standard 4WD to fully modified vehicles compete to cross a mud track as fast as possible. Nos authorized!
