Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska

The handbook surveys a prominent North Platte Valley landmark, detailing its geology and natural history alongside human use from prehistory through the 19th century and into modern administration. It traces early European and American exploration, the fur trade and the Hiram Scott episode, then follows the landmark's central role as a waypoint on overland routes used by Oregon, California, and Utah emigrants and gold seekers. Other chapters examine traders, missionaries, Pony Express and railroad transitions, Plains warfare, frontier commerce and settlement, archaeological findings and artistic records, and conclude with a practical visitor guide and suggested readings.