HOWDY!!!!! Teaching Partners!
I have just finished a class with Doane College called Nebraska Land Trails. We have been exploring the time period of the Great Migration. It is truly amazing the great history right here in our area.
Nebraska was a very important jumping off place to go west. Those places included Omaha, Nebraska City, Brownville and Plattsmouth. If you are teaching Nebraska History or Westward Expansion, I recommend this class.
Many of these places are best kept secrets even to Nebraskans. Of course, we need to begin with Lewis and Clark. Try the Lewis and Clark Center in Nebraska City. They have a life size model of a keel boat and wigwam. http://www.mrb-lewisandclarkcenter.org/
Next, you want to visit the winter station of the Mormons. The Mormon Trail is well known as they journeyed to Salt Lake City, Utah. The first Mormon emigrants established a resting stop and built a village called Winter Quarters. You will get an excellent prospective of the Mormons and it's free.
http://www.lds.org/church/places-to-visit/mormon-trail-center-at-historic-winter-quarters
Not to far from Winter's Quarter is Fort Atkinson. You will not want to miss this. This is a full scale fort with many buildings and rooms furnished of the time. Also on the grounds is a monument statue depicting Lewis and Clark offering tokens of friendship with the United States government. The fort was in use from 1820-1827. http://www.fortatkinsononline.org/
Last, but not least (because there are many more sites in Nebraska) is Rock Creek Station. Rock Creek is located near Fairbury, NE. Historically, Rock Creek has immense significance. A station for pioneers to gather supplies after paying a toll bridge fee to cross the creek. Later, this was a station for stage coaches and the Pony Express. Wild Bill Hickok murdered the station owner and 2 hired hands. He was employed as a station hand. The buildings are impressive and you will be able to see the swells formed by the wagons. http://www.fairbury.com/images/history/pony-express.png
Happy Trails to you!! Much easier than the pionees' days!
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