This momument is largely the result of efforts by Ezra Meeker, who
came with his family across the Oregon Trail in 1852, and then
dedicated his later years to getting citizens interested in marking
the Oregon Trail as he felt that the young people at the turn of
the century had no idea of the hardships suffered or where the
trail went. He visited many of the communities located in Thayer
County in 1910 by covered wagon and oxen and made a second trip to
get the people interested in marking the trail.
This large red granite marker was erected and dedicated on May 23,
1915. A prairie Schooner drawn by a yoke of oxen and the latest
model 1915 automobile were carved onto the stone by the Lennon
Brothers of Hebron at a cost of $400. This marker was then placed
on a large granite slab.
One of the biggest celebrations of the county was planned by Mrs.
Erasmus M. Correll, the first regent of the Oregon Trail Chapter of
the Daughters of the American Revolution in Hebron for the
dedication of this monument. The Hebron Journal stated that a crowd
between 7,000 and 10,000 was expected for this dedication, but it
poured rain on that day. The Meridian Road, which is now Highway 81
was a dirt road and it was impossible for many to get there. The
Hebron Journal estimated the crowd to be only 2000 made up of the
Militia, the Hebron Academy Band, the Boy Scouts, 700 school
children, pioneers and many others.
The Burlington freight brought six coaches from Deshler which were
crowded to the limit and many passengers rode on top of the box
cars. This train brought the Deshlerites nearly up to the monument,
unloaded the passengers and then reversed back to Deshler to bring
another train load.
The Daughters of the Revolution had tucked 5 pigeons under their
jackets and released the "doves of peace" as the flag covering the
monument was lifted. One dove, the same color as the monument
lighted on the monument and stayed there throughout several
speeches.
After this monument was erected, Ezra Meeker came in his
automobile called "The Pathfinder", which was converted to look
like a prairie schooner. He was said to be very proud of this
monument as it was the most expensive erected as a result of his
efforts. a large picture of this monument hangs in the Ezra Meeker
Museum in Puyallup, Washington.>
Placed By A Nebraskache Member