Last updated: October 29, 2021
Place
"Portal to the West" Wayside
NPS/Eric Grunwald
Quick Facts
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
Description of Wayside: Low-profile wayside that is 42 x 24 inches. It has a black rectangular base with two rectangular pillars supporting the wayside panel. The panel is framed in black metal. The wayside is located at the northwest end of a short, asphalt-paved trail located at the east entrance to Scotts Bluff National Monument.
Wayside Layout: At the top of the wayside is a thin black banner with white text. Aligned to the left is "Scotts Bluff National Monument". Aligned to the right is the text "National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior," and finally the National Park Service arrowhead. The title of the wayside is below the black banner in large black font. The panel has a cream-colored background. Black text is arranged in one column on the left side of the wayside. To the right of the text is a large map marking the routes of the Oregon Trail, California Trail, Mormon Pioneer Trail, and Pony Express. Below the map are three columns of black text. The text in the left column is a caption about the map. The text in the other two columns are quotations from emigrants who traveled these trails.
Wayside Title: Portal to the West
Text: A welcome landmark.
Scotts Bluff was a marvel to many people from the eastern part of the continent. Rising abruptly from the plains, it inspired some to write poetic descriptions in their diaries. It was a relief to people on their westward journey to Oregon and California to see the bluffs rise from the prairie. They were a milepost that meant a third of the trip was accomplished. They were also a sign that the plains were almost behind them and the mountains were about to begin. The easy portion was over and the difficult part was ahead.
Emigrants were not the only ones to travel through the pass ahead. Riders for the short-lived Pony Express galloped east and west along the same path. Stagecoaches and the first transcontinental telegraph also followed the trail used by thousands. Although the first railroad route across the nation ran a few miles south of Mitchell Pass, its impact was felt. Starting in 1869, travelers preferred the faster, safer transportation of the "Iron Horse" over the wagon trains.
Discover more about the travelers of the past while exploring the exhibits at the Visitor Center and walking the trails.
Image: A map of the central and western United States showing the routes of the Oregon Trail, California Trail, Mormon Pioneer Trail and the Pony Express.
Image Caption: Northern overland routes to the west followed the Platte River towards the Rocky Mountains. South Pass was the best place for wagons to cross the Continental Divide and marks where the trails diverge. Credit: Produced by the National Trails Intermountain Region, February 2016; GEBCO, NOAA/NGDC, Natural Earth.
Disclaimer: No warranty is made by the National Park Service as the accuracy, reliablility, or completeness of these data for individual use or aggregate use with other data.
Quote: "Scott's Bluffs - This is one of the most delightful places that nature ever formed. The lofty bluffs on each side of a low valley, form a handsome and striking contrast." -Franklin Street; California in 1850
Quote: "June 17 - The scenery was most enchanting surpassing in loveliness and originality anything I had ever beheld. Bluffs the most picturesque and resembling to the life of some old castle of ancient times. About noon we came to Scotts Bluff, which much resembled an old fortification." -Celinda E. Himes; diary 1853
Wayside Layout: At the top of the wayside is a thin black banner with white text. Aligned to the left is "Scotts Bluff National Monument". Aligned to the right is the text "National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior," and finally the National Park Service arrowhead. The title of the wayside is below the black banner in large black font. The panel has a cream-colored background. Black text is arranged in one column on the left side of the wayside. To the right of the text is a large map marking the routes of the Oregon Trail, California Trail, Mormon Pioneer Trail, and Pony Express. Below the map are three columns of black text. The text in the left column is a caption about the map. The text in the other two columns are quotations from emigrants who traveled these trails.
Wayside Title: Portal to the West
Text: A welcome landmark.
Scotts Bluff was a marvel to many people from the eastern part of the continent. Rising abruptly from the plains, it inspired some to write poetic descriptions in their diaries. It was a relief to people on their westward journey to Oregon and California to see the bluffs rise from the prairie. They were a milepost that meant a third of the trip was accomplished. They were also a sign that the plains were almost behind them and the mountains were about to begin. The easy portion was over and the difficult part was ahead.
Emigrants were not the only ones to travel through the pass ahead. Riders for the short-lived Pony Express galloped east and west along the same path. Stagecoaches and the first transcontinental telegraph also followed the trail used by thousands. Although the first railroad route across the nation ran a few miles south of Mitchell Pass, its impact was felt. Starting in 1869, travelers preferred the faster, safer transportation of the "Iron Horse" over the wagon trains.
Discover more about the travelers of the past while exploring the exhibits at the Visitor Center and walking the trails.
Image: A map of the central and western United States showing the routes of the Oregon Trail, California Trail, Mormon Pioneer Trail and the Pony Express.
Image Caption: Northern overland routes to the west followed the Platte River towards the Rocky Mountains. South Pass was the best place for wagons to cross the Continental Divide and marks where the trails diverge. Credit: Produced by the National Trails Intermountain Region, February 2016; GEBCO, NOAA/NGDC, Natural Earth.
Disclaimer: No warranty is made by the National Park Service as the accuracy, reliablility, or completeness of these data for individual use or aggregate use with other data.
Quote: "Scott's Bluffs - This is one of the most delightful places that nature ever formed. The lofty bluffs on each side of a low valley, form a handsome and striking contrast." -Franklin Street; California in 1850
Quote: "June 17 - The scenery was most enchanting surpassing in loveliness and originality anything I had ever beheld. Bluffs the most picturesque and resembling to the life of some old castle of ancient times. About noon we came to Scotts Bluff, which much resembled an old fortification." -Celinda E. Himes; diary 1853