Chimney Rock National Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chimney Rock National Historic Site |
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Chimney Rock (2009)
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 Chimney Rock National Historic Site
Location in Nebraska
Chimney Rock National Historic Site
Location in the United States
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| Location | Morrill County, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Nearest city | Bayard, Nebraska |
| Area | 83 acres (34 ha) |
| Established | October 15, 1966 |
| Operator | History Nebraska |
Chimney Rock is a famous rock formation in western Nebraska. It stands tall in Morrill County. This amazing rock rises almost 300 feet (91 meters) from the ground. Its peak is 4228 feet above sea level. For pioneers in the 1800s, Chimney Rock was a super important landmark. It guided them on the Oregon Trail, the California Trail, and the Mormon Trail. Today, you can still see it from U.S. Route 26 and Nebraska Highway 92.
Chimney Rock was made a National Historic Site in 1956. It is managed by History Nebraska. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
Contents
The History of Chimney Rock
Early Names and Explorers
Long ago, Native Americans lived in this area. The Lakota Sioux had their own name for this tall rock. The first non-native people to see it were likely explorers in 1813. They were traveling east from the Pacific Ocean. Many explorers wrote about Chimney Rock in their journals.
The name "Chimney Rock" probably came from early fur traders. The first time "Chimney Rock" was written down was in 1827. This was by a man named Joshua Pilcher. Before that, people called it different names. Some names were Chimley Rock or Chimney Tower. It was also called Elk's Peak or Elk Brick.
A Town Near the Rock
There was once a small town right near Chimney Rock. A post office opened there in 1913. It stayed open for about nine years, closing in 1922.
How Chimney Rock Changed Over Time
When settlers first saw Chimney Rock, it was taller. We know this from old drawings, paintings, and photos. Over time, the rock has gotten shorter. This is because of natural things like erosion and lightning. Some people even say it was hit by cannon fire!
Geology: What Chimney Rock is Made Of
Chimney Rock is mostly made of Brule clay. It also has layers of volcanic ash and Arikaree sandstone. The harder sandstone layers are at the top. These tough layers have protected the rock. This is why it still stands tall today. Chimney Rock rises about 286 feet above the land around it.
Chimney Rock Today
Chimney Rock is a National Historic Site. It was given this special title on August 9, 1956. History Nebraska takes care of the site. The National Park Service also helps out. Chimney Rock was a key landmark on the Oregon Trail. Another important landmark was Independence Rock in Wyoming.
You can find Chimney Rock 20 miles southeast of Scotts Bluff National Monument. It is located right on Nebraska Highway 92.
Visiting Chimney Rock
The Ethel and Christopher J. Abbot Visitor Center is a great place to visit. It has museum exhibits about pioneers. You can also watch a video about the westward migrations. There is also a gift shop where you can find souvenirs.
Chimney Rock on Money
On March 1, 2006, Nebraska released its own State Quarter. This quarter shows a covered wagon moving west. Chimney Rock is in the background. This design honors Nebraska's important role in the journey west.
