Chimney Rock - The Pioneers' Landmark EarthCache
Chimney Rock - The Pioneers' Landmark
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Hours: 9 - 4 Daily (Open Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day)
Admission: $8 for adults. Children with adults free.
(Not necessary to enter for log, only for own interest!!)
Parking: shown in the waypoints below
Please stay on the trails !!!
The Ethel and Christopher J. Abbott Visitor Center houses museum exhibits, a hands-on opportunity to "pack your wagon," and a video presentation that tells the story of the great migration West. A large inventory of books on western and trail history is available for purchase at the Chimney Rock Visitor Center. Chimney Rock was designated a National Historic Site on August 9, 1956, and is maintained and operated by the Nebraska State Historical Society. Located in the valley of the North Platte River, this landmark has been remarked upon by people for centuries.
Chimney Rock is known as the most famous landmark on the Oregon-California Trail, but it had made an impression on earlier residents of the area as well. According to early fur traders, Native Americans named the rock "Elk Penis" after the penis of the adult male elk. This made more sense to those who had lived for centuries on the plains than comparing the rock to a feature from a white man's building. Prim and proper usage among Anglo-Americans, though, overwhelmingly preferred the more delicate name "chimney."
Nearly half a million westbound emigrants and other travelers saw Chimney Rock. Many remain nameless; a few left words and pictures describing their trip west. All were part of a great movement of people and ideas that passed by Chimney Rock in the years 1812-1866. Many emigrants, surveyors, and members of military expeditions drew sketches of Chimney Rock as they passed in proximity. In later years photographs of Chimney Rock became popular.
Geology
The pillar consists primarily of Brule clay interlayered with volcanic ash and Arikaree sandstone. The harder sandstone layers near the top have protected the pillar since it broke away from the retreating cliff line to the south. Chimney Rock rises approximately 286 feet (87 m) above its surroundings. The Spire is a remnant of the erosion of the bluffs at the edge of the North Platte Valley. Scotts Bluff, like the adjoining Wildcat Hills and nearby Chimney Rock, Courthouse and Jail Rock, has been and continues to be weathered out of geologic deposits of alluvial origin that made up the ancient high plains of the region prior to regional uplifting. Wind and stream deposits of sand and mud, wind deposits of volcanic ash, and supersaturated groundwater rich in lime formed the layers of sandstone, siltstone, volcanic ash and limestone that now comprise Scotts Bluff's steep elevation, ridges, and the broad alluvial fans at its base. The high plains that existed at that time now began to gradually erode away, except at certain locations that were protected by a caprock of hard limestone that was more resistant to erosion. This caprock covers the tops of the bluffs in the area, slowing their rate of erosion relative to the unprotected surrounding (and eroded) countryside. This process resulted in the area's unique geologic features, such as Scotts Bluff. Erosion is usually unseen by humans, as wind, rain, and snow slowly wash away grains and particles of sand, silt and ash. However, erosion can occur as sudden, large rock falls as happened in 1974 and 2000 in the area of Saddle Rock. Smaller rockfalls are visible along the Summit Road. A badlands formation is located between the north base Scotts Bluff and the North Platte River, where deeply incised arroyos support little or no vegetation.
In order to count this Earthcache as a find, you must complete the following tasks and email the answers to me.
1. Estimate the height of the Chimney Rock.
2. What natural element do you think had the biggest impact on the erosion of the Rock, wind, rain, freezing, lightning, or thawing? Why?
3. Take a picture of you with the Chimney Rock in the background and post it with your log. I would love to look at them! :)
4. HAVE FUN!!!
IF I DO NOT ANSWER YOUR EMAIL, FEEL FREE TO LOG THIS GEOCACHE!!
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