Fort Robinson

The Nebraska State Archeology Office preserves, explores, and interprets Nebraska's archeological sites and other historic resources for the benefit of the public and the advancement of Archeological understanding. It acts as the clearinghouse for all archeological activity within Nebraska.

Just before 10 P.M. on January 9, 1879, the 130 Cheyennes held in the cavalry barracks made their desperate bid for freedom.

A new children’s book tells the story of a Nebraska-based World War II dog training program. Written by History Nebraska Director/CEO Trevor Jones, the story is told from a dog’s perspective and filled with colorful illustrations based on a real dog and actual places and events.

As historians, the names we give to events are important. They imply interpretation but are also matters of consensus. This is a story of the ongoing debate over the name of a great tragedy at Fort Robinson.

In December 1882, soldier Martin Weber was given a pretty simple task: deliver Christmas packages to Fort Robinson from Fort Sidney. 125 miles over six days. A late shipment and terrible blizzard turned that simple job into a harrowing adventure.

Perhaps the most common question asked of staff at Fort Robinson, Nebraska, is “Where’s the fort?” Visitors who are only familiar with Hollywood depictions of forts are often surprised to discover that typical forts on the northern plains had no walls. But historian Thomas Buecker discovered that Hollywood wasn't all wrong – some forts were enclosed. In the Spring 2014 issue of Nebraska History, Buecker categorizes enclosed northern plains forts into five types.