The area now known as Nebraska was acquired by the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. It became a natural corridor for migration to the west, much of which began in about 1841. This corridor followed the Platte River and would eventually link the settlement of the continent from ocean to ocean.

Settlements prior to the Civil War were in the eastern part of the territory, along the Missouri River and close to fort areas in the territory. The 1860 Territorial Census transcriptions are available at the USGenWeb (Nebraska) Census Transcription web site. There were also territorial censuses taken in 1854, 1855 and 1856.

The road west was not easy. There were births and deaths to contend with, all of which have led to myths perpetuated in family lore. Diseases and environmental changes were more detrimental than Indian attacks, particularly in Nebraska Territory. Cholera followed the Platte River road. Burials were speedy and without tombstones. If anything, there may have been a piece of wood to mark the spot. Very few graves have been located and identified.

Information on the early pioneers can be found in letters, diaries, journals, newspapers, military fort records and territorial census. It is worthwhile to check the National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections (NUCMC). You will be able to locate manuscripts such as letters, diaries and journals. This does not link to the originals, but provides information as to where they are located. A good book to read about Nebraska is The Great Platte River Road by Merrill J. Mattes. If it is not available, have your librarian locate a copy on interlibrary loan.

The traffic through Nebraska ran both ways. Many people and families returned through this area, some stayed and left descendants. If you have lost an ancestor who journeyed through here, check out later census and land records for Nebraska to see if they returned.

Trail era research is not impossible ... it's just challenging!