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Explore Our monuments and museums
WE WILL NOT GO THERE TO LIVE. THAT IS NOT A HEALTHFUL COUNTRY, AND IF WE SHOULD STAY THERE, WE WOULD ALL DIE. WE DO NOT WISH TO GO BACK THERE, AND WE WILL NOT GO. I AM HERE ON MY OWN GROUND, AND I WILL NEVER GO BACK. YOU MAY KILL ME HERE, BUT YOU CANNOT MAKE ME GO BACK. YOU CAN STARVE US IF YOU LIKE, BUT YOU CANNOT MAKE US GO SOUTH. WE WILL NOT GO.” Those words, spoken by Chief Morning Star, also known as Chief Dull Knife, are engraved in an impressive monument to the Cheyenne Outbreak from Fort Robinson in 1879. The monument, located along Highway 20 west of Fort Robinson on land owned by Dull Knife College, was dedicated in 2016, 15 years after construction began. It commemorates members of the Northern Cheyenne who fled imprisonment at the Fort following the government’s efforts to force them to return to Oklahoma by denying them food, water and fuel. The Northern Cheyenne surrendered at Fort Robinson in 1877 after their village in the Bighorn Mountains was burned and were eventually sent south to present-day Oklahoma. Suffering from disease and poor nutrition, the Cheyenne left Oklahoma without permission to return to their tribal lands in the north in 1878, led by Morning Star (aka Dull Knife) and Little Wolf. The tribe split in to two groups as they crossed Nebraska, with Morning Star planning to join Chief Red Cloud at the Red Cloud Agency. Red Cloud, however, had been relocated to Dakota Territory, and Morning Star surrendered to Fort Robinson in October 1878, seeking permission to either join Red Cloud or return to Montana. His negotiations were unsuccessful, and the government began withholding food, fuel and water to force a return south. On Jan. 9, 1879, a group of the Northern Cheyenne broke out of the barracks, escaping toward the buttes. A running battle with Fort Robinson’s soldiers took place over the next several days, before the remaining tribe members were recaptured Jan. 22 near Antelope Creek
northwest of Fort Robinson. All told, 64 Cheyenne and 11 soldiers were killed during the breakout and the ensuing battle. Part of the land for the Cheyenne Outbreak monument was donated to Dull Knife College in Montana by T.R. and Kay Hughes, who also made arrangements for the college to purchase the remainder of the land at a reduced price. Though the entrance to the monument is gated, visitors are allowed to pass through the gate to visit the monument. Please remember to close the gate after you’ve passed through both entering and leaving.
The Crawford Historical Museum, located in the heart of downtown
Crawford, is operated by the Crawford Historical Society to preserve and protect Crawford’s history and culture. The displays reflect the early people, economy, and social interests of Crawford. The Museum’s collection is a dynamic thing, growing and changing as acquisitions, needs and interests demand. The museum was established in its current location in 1992 after the disastrous White River flood destroyed the former building, located in the City Park. It now is housed in the Crawford Cultural Center building through the generosity of Crawford’s municipal administration. Many of the items in the Museum are post-flood acquisitions, a testament to the industry, generosity, and concern of the residents of the area. The Museum is divided into several interest areas: Pre-history, the Native American interest, Traders & Trappers, the Military Presence at Fort Robinson, the Development and Cultural Growth of Crawford, Farming & Ranching, the Schools, and specific Business and Organizational interests. The Crawford Historical Museum is located at 341 2nd St. in Crawford; admission is free. The museum is open from mid-May to mid-October from
10 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday. More info at http://crawfordmuseum.org/
Located three miles southwest of Chadron, the Dawes County Historical Museum houses an impressive collection of pioneer and early-Nebraska antiques, including blacksmith tools, farm machinery, vintage quilts and more. Among the nostalgic room displays are replicas of a general store, a hospital room and a railroad room. Guests can explore the log house, barn, 1890s schoolhouse, pioneer church, and C&NW caboose on the museum grounds. And don’t miss History in Action Day, an annual event held each September. The entire family can enjoy buggy rides, horse shoe pitching, music, and demonstrations of butter churning, wool spinning, rope making and apple cider making. Phone: 308-432-4999; Hours: Open daily during the season from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 1 – 5 p.m. Saturdays and holidays. Free of charge. More info at https://dawescountyhistoricalmuseum.org/
The Eleanor Barbour Cook Museum of Geology, located on the campus of Chadron State College, houses an impressive collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils from Nebraska and around the world. Visitors can see rare agates, jade and petrified wood. Chadron State College’s first museum, the Eleanor Barbour Cook Museum of Geology dates back to 1938 when college president Robert Elliott began discussions with vertebrate paleontologist E.H. Barbour of Lincoln and Barbour’s daughter and CSC’s first geology professor, Eleanor Barbour Cook. With help from her father and others, Eleanor Cook began endowing the museum collections with donated specimens from around the world. While many of the original specimens were lost when the museum was left without much supervision in the 1940s, the collection has since
grown. Contact: Mike Leite, Museum Coordinator; Phone: 432-6377; Email: mleite@csc.edu. More information at https://www.csc.edu/academics/sci/eleanor-barbour-cook-museum/
The Fort Robinson State Park Museum, located in the 1905 post
headquarters building, highlights 75 years of military history, beginning with the creation of the Fort in 1956. Exhibits detail
historical events such as the post’s role guarding the Red Cloud Agency from 1874 to 1877 and the housing of World War II German POWs from 1943 to 1946. The museum is managed by the Nebraska State Historical Society and houses exhibits and objects like the following: the only known dog kennel from the K-9 Corps of World War, marksmanship medals earned by Buffalo Soldier Caleb Benson between 1902 and 1909, nineteenth-century Sioux objects related to the Red Cloud Agency. The museum is open May 1-Oct. 1 from 9 am to 4 pm and is available by appointment the rest of the year, based on staff availability. Provide at least 24-hours notice for appointments. Small admission fee. More information at https://history.nebraska.gov/fort-robinson-history-center/
The Dawes County Courthouse at 451 Main St., Chadron, sits on Mary E. Smith-Hayward Square, named after a prominent businesswoman during Chadron’s earliest days. The Chadron Business and Professional Women’s Club dedicated the square in her honor
and named her an honorary member in 1998. Hayward was born in Pennsylvania but became a prominent figure in Chadron after she struck out on her own in 1885. After arriving in Nebraska she took a claim west of Chadron and also opened a dry goods business in town (her building is located on 2nd Street). She was president of the Nebraska Women’s Suffrage Association in the 1890s, and refused to pay taxes in 1895 to protest women’s
inability to vote. She represented Nebraska in the Women Suffrage Parade in Washington, D.C., in 1913, marching with 8,000 other attendees. Hayward was also an animal rights activist and a lifelong member of the Humane Society. She came out against the famed Chadron-Chicago Horse Race in 1893 and once had a man arrested for beating his horse. She also worked to beautify the courthouse square so it’s appropriate that the Chadron Business and Professional Women’s Club honored her with its dedication. Two memorials – a rock memorial on a
concrete slab on the north side and a concrete bench near the courthouse – recognize Smith-Hayward and the organization. Also located on the courthouse square is a bandstand, a veterans memorial, and a pioneer memorial . The veterans memorial recognizes Dawes County citizens who died fighting in World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam. The pioneer memorial is dedicated “to the valor of the pioneers. 1885-1935” and was constructed of local rocks.
The Museum of the Fur Trade, located three miles east of Chadron on
Highway 20, houses exhibits and artifacts from the early colonial days
to the present century. The museum and its directors are dedicated to
providing educational, comprehensive, and accurate exhibits that
communicate the truth and relevance of one of America’s first business enterprises—the fur trade. Among some of the incredibly rare artifacts visitors can see are a narwhal tusk, numerous rifles, including a gun that once belonged to Shawnee chief Tecumseh, Native American beadwork, and even a deck of playing cards from 1844. The Bordeaux Trading Post is located on the museum grounds also. The trading post has been reconstructed and was reopened to the public in 1956; it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Phone: 308-432-3843 Hours: May 1 through Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has a small entry fee. Open by appointment only the remainder of the year.
*Of Note: Inspired by true events, THE REVENANT is an immersive and visceral cinematic experience capturing an expedition of the uncharted American wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team. Director and renowned filmmaker, Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Birdman, Babel), contacted the Museum of the Fur Trade for costume designs in the film. As a “thank you” Alejandro sent the Hugh Glass character costume back to the museum, which is on display in Lindeken Hall. More information at https://www.furtrade.org/
The Sioux County Museum features several buildings, including a
historic schoolhouse and telephone office. All are filled with numerous
artifacts and exhibits related to the past of Harrison and Sioux County.
The museum also sponsors the Sioux County Historical Trek each
September. The Trek guides participants in exploring local sites and history in Sioux County and the surrounding area. Main Street, Harrison, NE 69339; Phone: (308)668-2110 Hours: Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday – Saturday 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Sunday. Connect with the museum at https://m.facebook.com/people/Sioux-County-Historical-Society-Museum/100057637710617/
The Trailside Museum of Natural History at Fort Robinson State Park features one of the most unique exhibits in the entire nation—the Clash of the Mammoths. Two gigantic bull mammoths were battling for dominance when their tusks became intertwined. Unable to separate, the pair eventually died in place and remained untouched for over 10,000 years. The museum is open seven days a week May 1-Sept. 30 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. It is also open Wednesday-Sunday from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. during the months of April and October. Small admission fee. More information at https://trailside.unl.edu/
Located just north of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the now defunct town of Montrose north of Harrison, a pair of monuments recognize the events of the Battle of Warbonnet Creek, where the U.S. 5th Cavalry turned away what was rumored to be 800 Cheyenne who were attempting to link up with Sitting Bull in the weeks following his victory against Custer. The Warbonnet battlefield monument sits on a hill that would later house a civilian-built fort that served to protect Montrose during tensions that arose during the Ghost Dance War. Closer to the road, just across Warbonnet Creek, head east from the trail to the battlefield monument and you’ll find another marking the encounter that led to the only casualty of the battle. At this site, William “Buffalo Bill” Cody killed and scalped the Cheyenne Yellow Hair as he and a group of warriors were attempting to cut off a pair of couriers trying to reach the main 5th Cavalry forces. Cody claimed the scalp as “the first scalp for Custer,” and later featured it in his wild west shows. Though the battle had just one casualty, it was considered a rare victory for the U.S. during the fighting in 1876. (For a more complete telling of the battle visit https://www.historynet.com/buffalo-bills-skirmish-at-warbonnet-creek.htm"
To visit the monuments, take Highway 2/71 north of Crawford to Hat Creek Road and then travel on Hat Creek Road 10 miles and turn on to Montrose Road. Monument is located north of the Montrose Church.
Chadron has several memorials dedicated to those who served our country in the armed forces. They include:
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Statue of Liberty Replica
One of Chadron’s war memorials was installed in Memorial Park as part of the the Boy Scouts of America’s 40th anniversary campaign, “Strengthen the Arm of Liberty.” Around 200 replicas of the Statue of Liberty – which are not completely accurate – were distributed across the U.S. as part of the initiative. The eight-and-a-half, 290 pound copper replicas carry a plaque that reads, "With the faith and courage of their forefathers who made possible the freedom of these United States." The memorial was dedicated with a “pledge of everlasting fidelity and loyalty.” The locations of only about half of the original 200 statues are known today. Chadron’s Statue of Liberty replica is located at the entrance to Memorial Park on Shelton Street. It is mounted on a brick pedestal rising out of an 11-point brick star. It was re-dedicated in 1995 by the local WWII Commemorative Committee.
- American Legion Park Memorial
Dedicated Nov. 11, 1962, the simple brick war memorial at the American Legion Post (123 Bordeaux St., Chadron) all men and women, living or dead, who served our country in times of war and peace.
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Dawes County Veterans Memorial
The Dawes County Veterans Memorial is located at Mary E. Smith-Hayward Square near the Dawes County Courthouse.It recognizes Dawes County citizens who died fighting in World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam, listing each soldier by name and conflict. The memorial was dedicated in 1988 by “citizens of Dawes County.” The monument, which consists of three stones and flag pole, the individuals recognized “died that others might live free.”
state historical
markers and monuments
Northwest Nebraska is rich in history, and numerous state historical markers throughout the region commemorate events and locations. The regions state historical markers are listed below. For additional details and specific directions, click here.
Dull Knife’s band of Cheyenne fled through the buttes seen in the distance from this marker after escaping from Fort Robinson. Located west of Fort Robinson on Highway 20.
This trail helped supply outposts at Camp Robison and Camp Sheridan. Located south of Harrison on Highway 29.
Cattle ranching was king in Northwest Nebraska, and Charles Coffee constructed a railroad siting at this location west of Harrison on Highway 20 to ship cattle to Chicago and avoid more expensive freight charges in Wyoming.
This village was originally established in 1884 as a railroad camp called Summit because of the town’s elevation. At 4,876 feet, it’s the highest town in Nebraska. Marker is located on the east side of the village along Highway 20.
After escaping Fort Robinson, Dull Knife’s Cheyenne climbed the buttes and fought a running battle in their bid for freedom. Marker located along the Old Smiley Scenic Drive west of Fort Robinson.
This village started as a tent city in 1886 and was named after a Fort Robinson soldier. Crawford served as an important supply depot and entertainment center for soldiers stationed at the Fort.
Crawford’s first high school was constructed in 1890 and this bell was installed in the belfry the next year. It was turned into a monument after demolition of the structure in 1956. Located at 501 Coates St.
Garnier served as a scout and was killed in the street by a bartender in 1900. 260-298 2nd Street
This marker represents the approximate location of the Council Tree where the Allison Commission met with thousands of Lakota Sioux in an effort to purchase the Black Hills in 1875. 500-542 Old Highway 20, Whitney
Buttes are the most significant landmark across Northwest Nebraska and served as sites for events like a legendary battle at Crow Butte between the Sioux and the Crow. 3895-3899 US 20, Whitney
Nebraska’s first state park, established April 25, 1921, Chadron State Park provides a variety of recreational opportunities. Located south of Chadron on Highway 385.
This early trading post helped the fur trade in the region become successful. Managed by Louis Chartran from 1842-1845, the nearby creek and the town of Chadron was named after him. 16480 US 385
This road was used to transport military and Indian supplies, and Crazy Horse traveled over it on his final journey to Camp Robinson in 1877, where he was eventually killed. Highway 385
This 300-mile route was used to transport hundreds of thousands of buffalo robes and 27 tons of fur-company-traded goods between 1837-1850. Highway 385.
This 1893 race was America’s longest horse race as nine riders competed to be the first to arrive in Chicago after starting at the corner of Second and Bordeaux streets in Chadron.
The Congregational Church built in 1885 was the first church constructed in the pioneer version of Chadron at 300-398 Chadron Ave.
Chadron State College, at 1000 Main St., was the state’s fourth Normal School. Classes began in 1911.
Built by James Bordeaux, this trading station was a significant part of the fur trade from 1846-1872. 6321 Highway 20
Fort Robinson Markers
Fort Robinson State Park, first established by the military as Camp Robinson, encompasses unique history all its own and is home to several historical markers from the site’s early days.
Cavalry troops occupied the row from 1887 to 1916
The only original barracks to still exist at Fort Robinson, it housed the 8th and 12th Cavalries and the Quartermaster Remount Service
Constructed in 1887 these quarters have been restored
Black soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalries helped build the new post. The 9th Cavalry were the first soldiers sent to the Pine Ridge Reservation during the Ghost Dance trouble in 1890, and the 10th helped capture Ute Indians who had fled Utah
105 feet high with a ladder and crow’s nest for buglers
Camp Robinson played an important role in Indian wars from 1876-1890. Crazy Horse died here and Dull Knife’s Cheyenne attempted to flee from here. Later, it was the site of the world’s largest remount depot, a K-9 training center and a German POW camp
The railroad played important role in expanding the fort’s regional importance
The first POWs arrived in 1943 and were allowed to become farm laborers, aiding a war-depleted regional work force
5,000 dogs were housed and trained as guard, scout, messenger and sled dogs during WWII
Oldest original building at Fort, originally constructed with dirt floors
The last officers’ homes constructed at the Fort
This location featured the post commander’s office, other administrative offices, and the Fort’s post office and telephone exchange. It is now home to the Fort Robinson Museum
Established in 1873 for Red Cloud and his band, as well as other Northern Plains Indians, the agency was home to 13,000 Native Americans
This cemetery was in use from 1875-1945 and once contained 258 gravesites including Batiste Garnier, 10 killed in the Cheyenne Outbreak, soldiers and their dependents. Most of remaining graves were moved to Maxwell when the Army abandoned Fort Robinson
This marker commemorates the 1879 Cheyenne Outbreak and the ground they fled across in their bid for freedom