Spirit Fall 2020 Edition 21
The Nebraska historical marker commemorating the Russian Grand Duke Alexis’ famous January 1872 buffalo hunt — with U.S. Army scout William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody as his guide — stands at the intersection of Avenues 369A and 370A about seven miles northeast of Hayes Center. The expedition’s campsite was about one mile north along Red Willow Creek.
Todd von Kampen/The North Platte Telegraph
HISTORY OFF THE BEATEN PATH
All versions offer topical marker tours (such as “Path to Statehood: 1803-1867” or “Native Americans in Nebraska”) and download driving directions from your location to a marker’s exact latitude and longitude. The smartphone app’s “Discover” feature lists “Nearby Stories” to your location. If you’re in North Platte, for example, you’ll see the Sioux Lookout marker (now located at the Lincoln County Courthouse), Fort McPherson and Scout’s Rest Ranch, among others. The actual text of each marker can be read on the app. But visiting a marker really is about standing where it stands — and what one A fine case in point can be found at one of west central Nebraska’s most out-of-the-way historical locations — one about to mark its 150th anniversary. Post-Civil War America was abuzz in late 1871 at the arrival of the young Grand Duke Alexis, fourth son of Czar Alexander II of Russia. While making his expected visits to national leaders, Alexis made it known he wanted to visit the Great Plains. Lt. Gen. Philip Sheridan, Civil War hero and Indian Wars veteran, arranged a royal buffalo hunt. “Camp Alexis” was set up on Red Willow Creek in present-day Hayes County at the recommendation of an Army scout Sheridan knew and respected: William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, then stationed at Fort McPherson. can learn from being there. Grand Duke Alexis
BY TODD VON KAMPEN todd.vonkampen@nptelegraph.com
You’ll find Nebraska’s official state historical markers in many a well-traveled place: in parks or downtowns, along highways or at Interstate 80 rest areas. But what if you’d rather take the paths not beaten for a day trip or a weekend wander? Well, many of the 569 blue-and-silver markers actually stand in obscure spots at or near where the history they tell took place. They can explain a humble pioneer cemetery, memorialize a vanished town or mark events whose participants are long remembered but whose locations have long since shed any contemporary sign of what happened there. With smartphone apps and GPS maps, it’s easy to find your way to the Nebraska historical marker of your choice — or to string a few together and make a trip of it. ‘Explore Nebraska History’ An online search will unlock the secrets behind Nebraska’s best- and least-known historical markers with the help of program sponsor History Nebraska (formerly the Nebraska State Historical Society). Available via desktop browser (mynehistory.com), the iTunes App Store or Google Play, the Explore Nebraska History app lets you browse or seek out markers and stories near your home or along your travel route — and then find your way there.
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