O'Fallons Bluff, Historic site near Sutherland, Nebraska.
O'Fallons Bluff is a historic site in Nebraska with cliffs extending roughly 20 miles along the south side of the Platte River. The bluffs display visible wagon ruts carved into the landscape by pioneers during their westward migration.
This site became a critical point on the Oregon Trail route in 1846 when the Donner Party passed through on their difficult journey to California. The location marks a key segment of 19th-century westward expansion.
Iron hoops at the Sutherland Rest Area mark where wagon wheels once carved paths across the land during 19th-century westward migration. These markers help visitors understand the routes that settlers followed.
The site is accessible via the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 at the Sutherland Rest Area, which features interpretive panels, restrooms, and basic facilities. Visitors should use marked areas and watch for uneven ground when exploring the terrain.
Archaeological excavations in 1966 searched for military fortifications from the 1860s but uncovered mainly animal bones in the surrounding area. This discovery shows the site has been studied for longer than many visitors realize.
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