History

We started the day at the Fur Trade Museum in nearby Chadron. We had been told that this was a world class museum, and were glad to finally get the opportunity to see it. A pretty amazing collection of trade goods, weapons, and other artifacts related to the fur trade. They try to cover the French, British, Spanish, American, and Russian traders, all of whom played a role in the trade in North America.

There was a special exhibit on the Voyageurs, who traveled by canoe all over Canada and the USA. We chatted a bit with the museum director, who suggested some good books, including the autobiography of Red Cloud. She also told us that Mari Sandoz's book on Crazy Horse was historical fiction, in some cases contradicting known historical facts.

After a nice lunch at the Heritage Grille, we went to Chadron State College, where we visited the Mari Sandoz museum, and learned a little more about Mari Sandoz and cattle ranching. Marianne pointed out that the painting of Crazy Horse, commissioned by Mari Sandoz, made him look incredibly handsome, suggesting her idealized view of Crazy Horse.

We bought some Nebraska sweet corn out of the back of a pickup truck.

We stopped at the quilt shop in Crawford, which was a busy place. Bili, the owner, came over to shake Marianne's hand and introduce herself. Marianne was very happy to find some "Kansas Troubles" fabric, a reproduction of old fabric, which she is using on some traditional quilts.

We ended the day at the Fort Robinson Historical Museum, depicting the Fort's history from the days of the Indian Wars to World War II. Marianne found it very sad. Richard asked where Crazy Horse died, and was directed to a small monument near two reconstructed log buildings. There are various stories about how and why Crazy Horse died. I have not yet gotten to the part in Mari Sandoz's book where Crazy Horse died.

It is hot here, and we were glad to get back to our air conditioned Prarie Schooner.