By: Kayla J. Gasker, Park Ranger – Centennial Coordinator, National Park Service – Scotts Bluff National Monument
While the history of the Oregon, California, Mormon Pioneer, and Pony Express national historic trails have been cemented in the cultural identity of the United States since their inception, one landmark along these notable paths will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2019. Scotts Bluff National Monument, located in the panhandle of western Nebraska, was established on December 12, 1919 by Presidential Proclamation, marking the first time that the Antiquities Act of 1906 was used to preserve a landscape based on the westward expansion movement “Manifest Destiny.” The purpose was to “preserve the scenic, scientific, geologic, and historic integrity of Scotts Bluff.”
The monument provides protection for 3,003 acres of the historical scene, the associated geological features, and natural and cultural resources in perpetuity. The overland trail remnants through Mitchell Pass signify one of humankind’s most epic migrations to America’s western frontier. The 800-foot high bluff rising from the seemingly endless flat prairie near the North Platte River marked the change in terrain between the prairies to the east and the mountains to the west. More than just a physical landmark for emigrants, it served as an emotional milestone for pioneers seeking progress on their journey to a new life.
Despite being founded by Presidential Proclamation, it was the Gering and Scottsbluff communities that initiated the request and petitioned that the area be set aside as a unit of the National Park Service. In fact, an inquiry was made to the Department of the Interior in 1914, two years before the National Park Service was even established.
Visitors to Scotts Bluff National Monument can walk along the Oregon Trail and view replica wagons in the shadow of Eagle Rock through Mitchell Pass. Photo Credit: NPS/Wagner
In the spirit of community strength, an entire year of programs and events are scheduled to commemorate the centennial. Seeking to “empower the pioneer spirit for future generations,” most programs are newly forged partnerships with community groups. Several Humanities Nebraska speakers will provide presentations on forts of Nebraska, the Native American traditions of local tribes, and the legends of the American west. Those who grew up playing The Oregon Trail computer game of the 1990s will feel the nostalgia when Philip Bouchard, lead designer of the iconic educational game, joins in the centennial festivities with two presentations on June 7-8, comparing and contrasting the game with the real Oregon Trail. Commemorating the short-lived Pony Express, the Pony Express Re-Ride will blaze through Scotts Bluff on its journey to Sacramento. A representative from the National Pony Express Association will talk about the Scotts Bluff station along the Pony Express Trail.
There will be plenty of interactive and educational programs throughout 2019 to memorialize the centennial of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Avid stamp collectors can stamp their National Park Service passports with the special centennial stamp and Junior Rangers can receive a special centennial badge. Scotts Bluff National Monument was also chosen by the Nebraska Tourism Commission as a 2019 Nebraska Passport stop.
Considered a “landmark of the ages,” Scotts Bluff still serves as a landmark for weary traveling families and continues to be woven into the fabric of the North Platte River Valley community. Whether you are interested in westward expansion trail history, advances in telecommunications and the telegraph, ancient volcanic activity that shaped the geology of the Midwest or the intricate prairie ecosystem, Scotts Bluff National Monument is home to it all.
Upcoming events and more information about Scotts Bluff National Monument: www.nps.gov/scbl
Unless otherwise indicated, all material in Pathways Across America is public domain. All views expressed herein are perspectives of individuals working on behalf of the National Trails System and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of the Federal agencies.
