NEBRHeritage-L Archives

Archiver > NEBRHeritage > 2001-03 > 0985270093


From: Ballou Family <>
Subject: [NEBRHeritage-L] Trivia 2001 #33 answered
Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2001 14:08:13 +0000
References: <53F06594382ED3118C8900204840A0DD2488C5@SBOSFTODMRUS01.nt.delta-air.com>


Marcia, Kathie, and another who answered privately (bashful) all correctly
identified Chimney Rock as the land feature most written about in pioneer
diaries.

Chimney Rock
This rock spire, visible to wagon trains on the Oregon Trail for several days,
was a source of amazement to travelers. Chimney Rock was mentioned more
frequently than any other natural feature in the diaries of pioneers as they
moved toward a new life in the West. Tired travelers described it in different
ways during the 3 to 4 days that it stood on their horizon. Some pioneers
judged the tower to be only 50 ft. high while others marked it as being over
700 ft. (in reality, it's 475 ft.). Many tried to scale it, but were
unsuccessful. Later, it became the setting for pony express, telegraph, and
stage stations. Today, Chimney Rock still inspires and amazes. Its story is
thoroughly told through exhibits, a video presentation, and other items of
interest at the Visitor Center.

How to Find It: Located 1-1/2 miles south of Highway 92 near Bayard.

Tel: 308.586.2581
402.471.4754

Hours of Operation: Open daily, year-round
http://www.westnebraska.com/page16.htm


"Ballou, Michael" wrote:

> An easy question this time. We just finished our inspection by the NRC, and
> I don't want to work on anything that isn't pure fun!
> This natural formation, visible to wagon trains on the Oregon Trail, was a
> source of amazement to travelers. It was mentioned more frequently than any
> other natural feature in the diaries of pioneers as they moved toward a new
> life in the West.
> Question - What is this formation called?
>
> Good luck,
> Mike

This thread: