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Route:

Northern Loop

Miles:

783

Agate Fossil Beds

Harrison, Nebraska, Sioux County

In the early 1900s, paleontologists unearthed full skeletons of extinct Miocene mammals in the hills of Nebraska – species previously only known through fragments. These thousands of bones from rhinoceroses, horses, chalicotheres, camels, entelodonts and bear dogs effectively defined the Early Miocene and the Age of Mammals for the science of paleontology. Around the same time, an age of friendship began between rancher James Cook and the legendary Chief Red Cloud of the Oglala Lakota, and other members of the Lakota and Cheyenne tribes. They gathered at James Cook’s ranch house near the fossil beds and told stories, danced, tanned hides and exchanged the gifts which now make up an impressive collection of Native American artifacts showcased at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.

Latitude:

42.6871883

Longitude:

-103.8827115

Population:

227

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Nebraska Harvest of the Month is a statewide farm to school program that features different Nebraska local food products each month of the year.

  • Bison

    Bison have been integral to tribal culture, providing them with food, clothing, fuel, tools, shelter, and spiritual value.

    Location: Agate Fossil Beds

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From about 1846 until 1872, an “Indian trading house” occupied a site near here. It was built by James Bordeaux. The Lakota, who spent their winters in the area, would do a business at this trading house. James Bordeaux was from a French settlement near St. Louis and while yet a young boy, he went west with fur traders. Bordeaux was active in the fur trade... Read more

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