Scotts Bluff National Monument in western Nebraska preserves a prominent natural landmark along the North Platte River that served as a major waypoint on the Oregon Trail, California Trail, and Mormon Trail during the great westward migrations of the 19th century. The bluff, rising 800 feet above the river valley, was visible for miles and marked the passage through a gap in the series of steep bluffs that forced travelers to find specific routes through the terrain. An estimated 250,000 emigrants passed through Mitchell Pass at the base of the bluff between the 1840s and 1860s, and deep wagon wheel ruts are still visible today. The monument was established in 1919 and includes a museum with one of the finest collections of watercolors by pioneer artist William Henry Jackson.
Long before Scotts Bluff National Monument became a national park, this land was home to Indigenous peoples whose connection to it spans thousands of years. The interpretive materials now being reviewed tell their story — often developed through years of formal tribal consultation, as required by federal law.
From the internal review records: “Panel describing Native American perspective on treaties and changing lifeways. Does intersect with the park story as treaty signing was part of the establishment of overland trails. Panel includes one William Henry Jackson painting of Fort Mitchell and Mitchell Pass (in the park).”
Why this matters: The Indigenous history presented at Scotts Bluff National Monument was developed through formal tribal consultation — a legal requirement under federal law. The language being reviewed was often specifically requested by tribal nations whose ancestors lived on this land for thousands of years. Revising it without renewed consultation would violate both the spirit and the letter of that process.
Panel describing Native American perspective on treaties and changing lifeways. Does intersect with the park story as treaty signing was part of the establishment of overland trails. Panel includes one William Henry Jackson painting of Fort Mitchell and Mitchell Pass (in the park).
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