Explore Chimney Rock National Historic Site

Chimney Rock was the most well-known landmark along the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails during the 1800s. The Chimney Rock formation, which dates from 25 to 24 million years ago, rises 480 feet above the surrounding countryside. This dramatic rock spire was a well-known landmark for pioneers traveling west in the early to mid-nineteenth century. The landscape today resembles that of the great western migration, when wagon trains traversed this route. Visitors can get a sense of what the pioneers must have felt like when they arrived here. On-site, a visitor center provides information on the geology of the formation as well as the history of the Overland Trail.

As the emigrants passed by this rock, the majority of them wrote in their diaries or journals that they were relieved to see that they were on the right track, and that it spired to the heavens. The emigrants were so intrigued that thousands climbed the cone to carve their names on the tower. Though no inscriptions are known to have survived, there is ample written evidence that the rock once bore thousands of names.

Merrill Mattes, a historian, concluded that Chimney Rock was by far the most mentioned landmark after reviewing over 300 journal accounts of settlers moving west along the Platte River Road. Although no special events were held at the rock, Mattes notes that it took center stage in the minds of overland trail travelers. Many people thought the geological marker was an optical illusion. According to some, Chimney Rock can be seen from up to 30 miles away, and even when traveling toward the rock-spire, Chimney Rock always appeared to be off in the distance.

Google rating: 4.4/5.0
Address: 9822 County Rd 75, Bayard, NE 69334
Phone: +1 308-586-2581
Website: nps.gov/scbl/learn/historyculture/chimney-rock.htm