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

Phelps Hotel

The Phelps Hotel is typical of many hotels erected during the late nineteenth century in western Nebraska. The building is Deuel County's oldest hotel, constructed in 1885 by the Edwin A. Phelps family, who were among the first settlers in the Big Springs vicinity.

Chappell, NE Famous Homes

Chappell Golf Club

Chappell's municipal golf club lies alongside the Chappell Lake located just north of the I-80 Chappell exit. The nine-hole, grass green course is a beautiful and challenging course open to the public from daylight to dark.

Chappell, NE Golf Courses

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

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

Things to do near Chappell, NE

Oliver SRA Camp Areas

W.H. Jackson Collection

Sudman-Niemann Heritage House Museum

Kimball City Office Building

Maginnis Irrigation Aqueduct