The Omaha Nation once roamed northeastern Nebraska from the South Dakota border to the Platte River. They now inhabit a reservation in Thurston County, Nebraska.
Toward the end of the 1800's Chef Blackbird assumed power of the Omahas, and under his leadership the tribe became a major force in the river trade. At the end of the 18th century the Omaha Indian tribe controlled the fur trade on the upper Missouri River. Without the say-so of Chief Blackbird, French and Spanish fur traders could not do business with tribes farther up the Missouri.
Under Blackbird's leadership the Omaha gained wealth, political prestige, and military strength. But in 1800, the tribe was ravaged by smallpox, one of the diseases that accompanied Europeans. The epidemic killed as many as one-third of the Omaha, including Blackbird. By the time Lewis and Clark visited in 1804, the Omaha culture that survived was decidedly different from the one first encountered by Europeans in 1750.
Chief Blackbird was buried atop his horse. The grave sits on private land, but this scenic overlook exists as a public place to honor and remember both Chief Blackbird and the glory days of the Omaha nation.
Please be respectful at this monument and take a few moments to reflect back on Nebraska before the settlers came when the Omaha people roamed free and proud.
Original Contents:
- Logbook and Pencils
- Information on the Omaha Nation
- Magic the Gathering Card Set
- 20-side Die
- Geostone "Fantus"
- Some small toys for the kids
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