National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form: Courthouse and Jail Rocks


Chimney Rock

Publication: National Park Service Asset Detail

Author: Carl Hugh Jones

Date of Publication: 1973

PDF File: 350091a4-bbc2-4123-aa20-8841cd0ab00c.pdf

URL: https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/350091a4-bbc2-4123-aa20-8841cd0ab00c/

Description


From the days of Robert Stuart’s trip down the Platte River in 1812, Court House and Jail House Rock have been significant landmarks mentioned by travelers following the North Platte Valley. By the time the Forty Niners traversed the area, the huge rock-like promontories had been described in many terms – from the Castle to the Church to the Coffin. But Court House and Jail House were the most common names by which these landmarks were known during the immigrant period. These two butte remnants some 400 feet above the North Platte River have always been an awesome sight to the traveler on the Trail.