National Register Listing

Camp Clarke Bridge Site

a.k.a. 25 MO 68

W of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, NE
Local significance of the site:
Commerce; Military; Engineering; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

bridges
The Pony Express, a mail delivery service that operated from 1860 to 1861, passed through Nebraska, carrying mail from Missouri to California.
Nebraska random facts
Morrill County, located in the state of Nebraska, has a rich and diverse history that spans over several centuries. The region was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Pawnee and Sioux, who relied on the Platte River for survival. European explorers, such as French trappers and traders, began venturing into the area in the early 1800s.

In the mid-19th century, as settlers started moving westward, the area that now forms Morrill County became part of the Nebraska Territory. The first permanent settlement in the county was established in 1859 with the founding of the town of Cheyenne, which served as a trading post along the Oregon Trail. As more pioneers arrived in the area, additional towns, including Harrisburg and Bridgeport, were established.

The arrival of the railroad in the late 1880s had a significant impact on the development of Morrill County. The Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad opened up new opportunities for trade and transportation, leading to the growth of agriculture and ranching in the area. The county became known for its fertile soil, which supported the cultivation of crops such as wheat, corn, and alfalfa, while ranchers raised cattle and sheep on the vast grasslands.

In the early 20th century, Morrill County faced the challenges of drought and the Great Depression, which had a severe impact on the local economy. However, the construction of irrigation systems and the introduction of federal relief programs helped to revitalize the agricultural industry and bring stability to the area. Today, Morrill County continues to thrive as a primarily rural community, relying on agriculture, ranching, and tourism as key economic drivers.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Morrill County, Nebraska.

  • 1851 - Native American tribes, such as the Sioux and Pawnee, inhabit the area that would later become Morrill County
  • 1867 - Union Pacific Railroad reaches the region, attracting settlers and accelerating development
  • 1878 - Morrill County is officially established, named after former Nebraska Governor Charles H. Morrill
  • 1888 - The town of Bridgeport is founded as the county seat
  • 1908 - Completion of the Morrill Canal under the Pathfinder Irrigation Project, enabling agricultural growth
  • 1930s - The Great Depression brings economic challenges to the county
  • 1960s - Construction of the Kingsley Dam and Reservoir provides water for irrigation and recreational activities
  • 1992 - Chimney Rock National Historic Site is designated and preserved for its cultural and geological significance
  • 2007 - The Scottsbluff-Gering National Monument is renamed the Scotts Bluff National Monument