LASR.net Homepage

Menu

Chappell, Nebraska

The first and greatest robbery of a Union Pacific Train took place near Big Springs on the night of September 18, 1877. The legendary Sam Bass and five companions, after capturing John Barnhardt, station master, and destroying the telegraph, forced Union Pacific Express Train No. 4 to halt.

A reported $60,000 in new $20 gold pieces and currency was taken from the Express car, while about $1,000 and a number of watches were taken from passengers. The accumulated loot from this, the Big Springs Robbery, it is said, was then divided by the outlaws, beneath the Lone Tree then growing on the north side of the River. After making the division, the robbers then split into pairs and fled their pursuers.

Joel Collins and Bill Heffridge were killed at Buffalo, Kansas. Jim Berry was killed near Mexico, Missouri, while Tom Nixon and Jack Davis were never located. After forming another band and robbing four trains in Texas, Sam Bass was killed by Texas Rangers at Round Rock, Texas, on July 21, 1878; it was his 27th birthday. His epitaph reads, "A brave man reposes in death here, why was he not true?"

- Nebraska State Historical Marker

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Chappell Memorial Art Gallery

One of the most rare and valuable collections of art in western Nebraska, the Chappell collection features works by Rembrandt, Aaron Pyle, and unusual oriental art.

One wall of the gallery displays fascinating work created by local artist, Aaron Gunn Pyle, deceased, a well known

Chappell, NE Arts

Sudman-Niemann Heritage House Museum

Home as it was in a more genteel times this 1911 house has been restored to its original condition, complete with period furniture. Also featured is a display of the desk, chair, and flags from the Washington, D.C. office of Congresswoman, Virginia Smith - one of Nebraska'

Chappell, NE Museums

Waterman Sod House

The Wallace W. and Libby King Waterman sod house was built about 1886. The original dwelling had three rooms. In 1925, it was enlarged and remodeled by Virgil and Helen Burke Waterman, and the sod walls were covered with concrete. The family lived in the house until 1989

Chappell, NE National Register

B-24 Bomber Crash Memorial

During World War II, Nebraska was home to eleven air bases, which filled the skies with planes engaged in training air crews. On June 7, 1944, a B-24J Bomber - part of a flight of 15 bombers from the 866 Bombardment Squadron (H), 7

Chappell, NE Memorials

Chappell Lake

Set your hook in a largemouth bass, catfish, perch, walleye, or bluegill in this 30 acre community lake. A year-round flock of Canada geese have also made the lake their home.

The easy access just north of the I-80

Chappell, NE Recreation

Things to do near Chappell, NE

Chappell Lake

Kimball City Office Building

Five Rocks Amphitheater

Oregon Trail Marker

The countless wagons that passed through what is now Deuel County during the westward expansion of the 1800s left an indelibl...

North Platte Valley Museum