A symbol of Western expansion, Scotts Bluff, can be found in Nebraska. (Photo: colorful bluff image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com )
The 37th state in the Union, Nebraska, has many historical monuments. Dinosaurs, American Indians and farmers have all called Nebraska’s gentle hills and plains home. Part of the Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark explored Nebraska as part of their 1804-06 Expedition. Pioneers tracked across Nebraska’s broad prairies on their way west. There is plenty of history indoors and out in the Cornhusker state (See Reference 1).
The state capital of Lincoln is home to the state capitol building. Designed by New York Architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, the state capitol building features a 400-foot office tower with a 19-foot bronze statue on top called “The Sower.”
Inside, the marble walls and floors depict the natural and social history of Nebraska’s Native Americans and pioneers. There is a 14th-floor observation deck. Free tours are scheduled throughout the week.
Many people don’t associate Nebraska with fossils, but the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument features a vast collection of Miocene mammal fossils. Twenty million years ago, this area was home to mammals like the dinohyus, a large pig-like animal, the stenomylus, a small gazelle-camel and carnivorous beardogs.
There are many things to do and see at the Agate Fossil Beds, including hiking trails to see fossil dig sites and taking a trail to the restored 1910 Harold Cook homestead. There is a visitor center with galleries devoted to historical find from the area. One gallery is devoted to fossils while the other is a display of American Indian artifacts. The trails are open from dawn until dusk year round. The Agate Fossil Beds National Monument requires an entrance fee.
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
301 River Road
Harrison, NE 69346-2734
Located in western Nebraska, the Scotts Bluff National Monument is one of several markers along the Oregon, California, Mormon and Pony Express Trails. President Woodrow Wilson designated its 3,000 acres of unusual land formations a national monument in 1919.
Here visitors can find hiking trails, a summit drive and a museum at the park. The Oregon Trail Museum and Visitor Center features America’s westward movement exhibits and houses the largest original collection of William Henry Jackson’s photographs, sketches and paintings, according to the National Park Service Web site.
The park is open dusk to dawn seven days a week, and the museum is open daily with seasonal hours. Entrance fees to the monument depend on your mode of transportation. There are different fees for vehicles or hikers, or you can purchase an annual pass.