Nebraska Historical Marker: Porcupine Ranch
Nebraska Historical Marker: Porcupine Ranch
Location
Along Nebraska Highway 93A, 2 miles north of Exit 342, I-80, York County, Nebraska
View this marker's location 40.844740, -97.806825
View a map of all Nebraska historical markers, Browse Historical Marker Map
Marker Text
Between 1855 and 1867 companies like Russell, Majors, and Waddell shipped millions of pounds of freight across the plains to supply military posts and mining camps to the West. After 1861 freighters followed the "Nebraska City-Fort Kearney Cut-off" instead of the longer "Ox-Bow Trail," which looped north along the Platte River. The new route crossed York County in a northwesterly direction. Road ranches were established along the trail, where provisions, livestock, and lodging could be obtained.
Porcupine Ranch was he first of five road ranches in York County. Situated at Porcupine Bluffs on Beaver Creek near the western border of the county, the ranch was established in 1863 by Benjamin F. Lushbaugh, Agent to the Pawnee. During the 1860's the ranch provided water and supplies to thousands of emigrants and freighters. It was also a relay station for the Overland Stage Company, which carried passengers and mail.
With the completion of the transcontinental railroad through the area in 1867, emigrant, stagecoach, and freighting traffic declined. Porcupine Ranch and other road ranches were soon abandoned as towns grew up along the railroad.
Further Information
Bibliography
Marker program
See Nebraska Historical Marker Program for more information.