44

CROFUTT’S NEW OVERLAND TOURIST

 

George Francis Train called Columbus
the geographical center of the United
States, and advocated the removal of the
National Capitol to this place. We have
very little doubt, should George ever be
elected President, he will carry out the
idea, when we shall behold the Capital of
the Union located on these broad plains—-but
we shall not buy corner lois on the strength
of the removal.

In July and August, 1867, Columbus was
a busy place, and the end of the track.
Over 10,000,000 Ibs. of Government corn
and other freight was re-shipped from
here to Fort Laramie, and the military
camps in the Powder River country. This
was the first shipment of freight over the
Union Pacific railroad.

Numerous railroads to the north and
south are projected from Columbus, and
its future prospects are bright.

Soon after leaving Columbus we cross
Loup Fork on a fine bridge, constructed in
the most substantial manner. This stream
rises 75 miles northeast of North Platte
City, and runs through a fine farming
country until it unites with the Platte.
Plenty of fish of various kinds are found
in the stream, and its almost innumerable
tributaries. These little streams water a
section of country unsurpassed in fertility
and agricultural resources. Game in
abundance is found in the valley of the
Loupe, consisting of deer, antelope, turkeys
and prairie chickens, while the streams
abound in ducks and geese.

From Columbus it is 7 6-10 miles to

Jacksom—surrounded by well-culti-
vated fields.

Passing along, and just before reaching
the next station, we cross a small stream
called Silver Creek. From Jackson it is
10 1-10 miles to the next station—

Silver Creek—This section of coun-
try has improved very rapidly during the
last few years, and we notice many sub-
stantial evidences of thrift in every direc-
tion—many new buildings.

To the northeast of this station is situ-
ated the Pawnee Indian Reservation, but
not visible from the cars. It covers a tract
of country 15x80 miles in area, most of
which is the best of land. About 2,000 acres
are under cultivation. The tribe number
about 2,000, are provided with an “Agen-
ea and all the usual accompanying “civ-
ilization !’?

Again we speed westward, 7 3-10 miles to

Clark’s—a small station named in
honor of the General Superintendent of the
road.

The surrounding country is remarkably
rich in the chief wealth of a nation—agri-
culture—and has made rapid progress,
Of late years, several new stores, a church,
school-house, and many dwellings have
been added, indicating permanent pros-
perity.

From Clark’s it is 11 2-10 miles to

Lone Tree—the county seat of Mer-
rick county. It contains a population of
about 600, and is surrounded by thrifty
farmers. The “old emigrant road” from
Omaha to Colorado crosses the river op-
posite this point, atthe old “Shinn’s Ferry.”
A bridge is now contemplated, and will be
found of great commercial advantage to
the town.

 

. \
The more recent settlers of Lone Tree,

call the place “Central City,” in anticipa-
tion of the early completion of the Ne-
braska Central railroad to this place.
Cottonwood trees have been planted by
many of the settlers about their homes,
which present a cheerful and homelike ap-
pearance.

Passengers should notice the railroad
track—for 40 miles it is constructed as
straight as tt ts possible to build a road.
When the sun is low in the horizon, at
certain seasons of the year, the view is very
fine.

Rolling along 10 4-10 miles, and we ar-
rive at

Chapman’s—asmall place, compris-
ing a few buildings, near the station, but
the country around about is a broad prai-
rie, and nearly all improved and settled by
thrifty farmers.

From Chapman, we continue west 5 5-10
miles to

Lock wood—asmall side-track station.
Six miles further and we are at our supper
station,

Grand Islamd—the county seat of
Hall county, which contains a population
of about 1,500. lt is provided with the
usual county buildings, several banks,
churches of various denominations, good
schools, several hotels, many stores, some
very pretty private residences, and two
weekly newspapers, the Independent and
the Times; also one of the largest steam
flouring mills in the State.

Grand Island is a regular eating station,
where trains going west stop 30 minutes
for supper, and those for the Hast have the