We started our study of the Pioneers in St. Louis but, the real story for many of the Pioneers started in Independence, Missouri. Independence was one of the main “head’m up and move’m out” places for the Pioneers; a last stop for provisioning and cuing up of the wagon trains. So, we took our “wagon” there too.
The Oregon and Santa Fe trails originated in Independence and the Frontier Trails Museum focuses on these groups of pioneers. Although small, the museum was just enough to hold the Dudes attention and there was a room for the kids to try their hand at provisioning. In the room was a “kid” sized wagon with scales attached and shelves full of items they might consider packing. They were instructed to load up the wagon with what they thought they might need but, if the wagon became too heavy a red light would flash and they would need to make choices about things that would have to stay behind. Too bad I didn’t think of that before WE left home!
There was also a real wagon at the front of the museum property near our RV. When I asked the Dudes if they would prefer to take a wagon or RV out West, the response was an instantaneous and unanimous, “RV”!
Left: The “dog train” moves out.
Across the street from the Museum are swales that are the original ruts from the wagons leaving Independence. I was pretty excited about seeing real wagon ruts but have to admit it took a lot of imagination to actually define them after 150 years of erosion and being covered in deep grass.
Right: Welcome to Nebraska
After the quick stop in Independence, we made our way West to Fort Kearney, Nebraska. The Fort, built in 1848, served as way station, sentinel post, supply depot and message center for those traveling Westward. It was also home to the Pony Express and later housed soldiers to protect the pioneers and railroad workers from hostile Indians. It eventually became a hub for the military during the Indian Campaigns(for more about that read, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee).
Once the Railroad was completed in 1869, the Fort was no longer needed and the buildings were dismantled and moved elsewhere. Today, the buildings are outlined on the ground with posts. Plaques with diagrams and photos help to fill in anything your imagination can’t and a stockade, blacksmith shop and armory have been replicated.
Right: Oregon? That-a-way!
I have come across Fort Kearney in a lot of my reading about both the Pioneers and the Indians so it was fun to see the real place. The Dudes however, saw the grounds much like a puppy would and chose to run and bounce wild and free in the wide open space. They would sleep well that night.
The Fort Kearney State Park is adjacent to the Fort and had a beautiful campground where we stayed. We nicknamed it “The Land of Lakes” because of the nine lakes on the property. All of the sites were waterfront which made the the Dudes happy because they could do some more fishing but, unfortunately, not too many were biting.
The region is also part of the migratory path of the Sandhill Cranes which must be an amazing sight in the Spring, even worth a visit back sometime. The one event that we couldn’t get away from was the cottonwood trees snowing their seeds everywhere. The white fluffy seeds filled the air and collected on the ground like a fresh fallen snow.
The first half of our Oregon Trail route concluded with an amazing sunset over one of the lakes.
“It was a rich and gorgeous sunset – an American sunset; and the ruddy glow of the sky was reflected from some extensive pools of water among the shadowy copses in the meadow below.” Francis Parkman
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