Crossing the Platte, Mouth of Deer Creek

The Platte River's impact on westward settlement should not be underestimated. It was part of several 19th century westward trails including the Oregon Trail, Pony Express, and Mormon Trail. Settlers could take the River from St. Joseph, Missouri, Kansas City, or Omaha to the middle of the Nebraska Territory. In this image a covered wagon is ferried across the river.