Explore two iconic stops on the Oregon Trail!
I first found out about the existence of Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff from that old school computer game probably found in every school in the 1990s, Oregon Trail. These places were two of the landmarks of the game. I figured they would be good place to start my two-week camping trip.
Turns out that Chimney Rock was not only a landmark on the Oregon Trail, but also the California Trail (towards the gold) and the Morman Trail (towards Utah). It soars 325 ft (100 m) above the surrounding landscape. Chimney Rock would have been visible for miles around, making it a good landmark to spot to make sure you are heading the right direction.
Further westward on the Oregon Trail is another landmark, Scotts Bluff, now a National Monument close to the Nebraska/Wyoming border. Scotts Bluff was named after a fur company clerk, Hiram Scott, who died nearby in 1824. Local native groups called the bluff, “the hill that is hard to go around.” In fact, the pioneers heading westward had issues getting around the bluff as well. The surrounding land is very rutted. A road would eventually be built through Mitchell Pass in the 1850s, allowing for easier transportation past the bluff.
Finally seeing a couple of places, I learned about when I was a kid was pretty cool. Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff may be almost in the middle of nowhere Nebraska, but they played a big role in the history of the America’s westward expansion. They were mile markers along a 2,170 mi (3,490 km) journey across the plains, something to show the travelers that they were just a bit closure to their destination.
Check out my next update where I will be exploring some fossil beds and some toadstoolesque rocks.