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The first historical/genealogical book on Lincoln County, Nebraska, since 1920 and published in time to coincide with Nebraska's 125th Statehood anniversary, this pre-statehood history provides an in-depth understanding of the forces that shaped Lincoln County. Starting in 1714 with the first explorers, the author traces the history of the county through the ravages and suffering of the people on the wagon trains following the Oregon Trail along the Platte River, to the first white men to settle in what would become Lincoln County. Coleman then describes how the increasing demand for better mail and freight services, along with the needs of travelers along the trail, formed the economic basis for the first white settlements; all the while not forgetting the viewpoints of the original inhabitants of the area; the Pawnee, Arapaho and Cheyenne. Chapters 5 and 6 put the spotlight on various individuals who lived in the Platte Valley at the time of the 1860 Territorial Census. The last two chapters deal with the military history of the Platte Valley and the coming of the railroad respectively. Both chapters contain not only a wealth of information on relations with the three local Indian tribes, but also on the individuals involved: Indian chiefs, commanders and soldiers, railway workers and traders. Coleman's writing vividly evokes the beauty of Nebraska, making this book a joy to read. But what makes this book particularly valuable for the researcher are the addenda, six in all, including the 1860 Census for Shorter County, a list of pre-statehood marriages, and a list of all names in the Account Ledger book of the general store in North Platte for the two months prior to the attainment of statehood. A bibliography and a full-name index add to the value of this work.
