Rock Creek Station

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Rock Creek Station was a stagecoach and Pony Express station in southeastern Nebraska, near the present-day village of Endicott.

[edit] History

Rock Creek Station was established in 1857 along the Oregon Trail and California Trail, along the west bank of Rock Creek. The station was a supply center and campground for emigrants. In 1859, the property was purchased by David McCanles, who added another station on the east bank and built a toll bridge across Rock Creek. Two years later, he leased or sold the property to the Russell, Waddell, and Majors firm (which operated the Pony Express).

In July 1861, David McCanles, who had a reputation as being a local bully, stopped by Rock Creek Station to inquire about the status of his payments. An argument ensued, and McCanles was shot and killed by a young James Butler Hickok, who later became known as Wild Bill Hickok.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission began development of the area as a state historical park and state recreation area in 1980. Deep trail ruts can be seen on the 390-acre park complex. Many of the station's buildings have been reconstructed, other attractions include a visitor center, hiking trails, and a campground.