Vacations or Honeymoons in Historic Valentine NE: Valentine's Day …
Valentine's Day is only One Reason for Weekend Vacation Romance
Valentine Nebraska connotes thoughts of love, kindness, friendship and, perhaps, even a romantic honeymoon vacation hideout. certainly few residents and visitors passing through this city of less than 3,000 would find fault with visitors harboring such thoughts. once upon a time, though, there were bandits afoot.
Romantic Town with Red Hearts on Sidewalks has Genuine Wild West History
As time rolls by, towns, as well as people, often get a second chance, or a makeover, so they can redefine themselves. Valentine is nestled in an area now famed for its scenery and its quaint romantic red hearts on the sidewalks and heart-red street signs. Originally, though, the area was characterized by famed explorer Zebulon Pike as uninhabitable desert with little more than sand, according to, "History of Valentine," [Pub: Heartcity.com].
Hills in the area were home to Sioux and Pawnee Indians, who would eventually reside on either Rosebud or Pine Ridge Reservation and would be supplied beef by area ranchers. In 1879, a ranch hand, James Williamson, was rounding up horses on the McCann ranch when, allegedly, Indians shot and killed him.
In time, a fort would be erected about four miles north of present-day Valentine to help protect Indians of the Black Hills area from white settlers encroaching on Sioux sacred grounds, and to protect white settlers from Indian attacks. That fort, incidentally, was selected by none other than famed Indian fighter General George Crook. When built, the sum total construction costs would equal $50,000.
Shortly after a railroad line was completed through the area, a village at the end of the track sprung up. Originally incorporated in 1884, the village was named for Congressman E. K. Valentine. during six years as chairman of the house committee on Agriculture in the House of Representatives, Valentine earned a place in the hearts of many Nebraskans by getting the settlers grievances redressed.
Historic Valentine - front Row Seat to Wild West show & Desperate Outlaws
Finally, no wild west history would be complete without a mention of Buffalo Bill or of outlaw desperadoes.
One could suppose Valentine was located smack dab in the middle of Buffalo Bill's wild west, because it is situated about 40 miles from a town named Cody, probably for the famed scout, Pony Express rider, and Wild West showman,
It also is approximately 125 miles north of North Platte, Nebraska, the site of Buffalo Bill's first rodeo. he held it on July 4 (Independence Day), 1882, (fun fact 43 in an article titled Nebraska Fun Facts And Trivia [Pub: 50states.com].
Valentine also is 200 miles east of Warbonnet Creek, the site of Buffalo Bill's famed taking of the, "First Scalp for Custer."
As to desperadoes and their wicked deeds, perhaps the region's most infamous wild west outlaw was Doc Middleton, famed for his Rustler's Roost to the southwest.
So notorious was Middleton that a book was written documenting his life story. Doc Middleton: Life and Legends of the Notorious Plains Outlaw by Harold Hutton [Pub: Swallow Press, Chicago, 1974]. the book was reviewed by Paul D. Riley, of Nebraska Historical Society in Lincoln, NE and published by Montana Historical Society JSTOR.
The infamous outlaw, after departing Texas to the cover his tracks. in 1876 performed his first noteworthy northern plains feat in shooting a soldier in Sidney. he then went on to a career of horse thievery. not until 1913 did he answer the call to final inescapable and lasting judgment, but that is a story to be read elsewhere.
Scenic Valentine now a Vacation Town For Romance, Honeymoon and Anniversaries
The scenic panorama from atop the nearby Sand Hills is notable. the hills are cut through by the Niobrara River and the Minnechaduza. the surroundings are ripe and waiting to fire up or kindle any romantic notions its visitors might be keen to nurture.
Several lodging alternatives beckon. there are a total of 16 choices, among which are six hotel/motels, one bed and breakfast, four resorts and five campgrounds to choose from, depending on the purpose and season when visiting:
- Comfort Inn
- Dunes Lodge & Suite
- Rosebud Casino Quality Inn
- Super 8 Motel
- Trade Winds Motel
- Valentine's Niobrara Lodge
- Walcott Bed and Breakfast
- Berry Creek Ranch
- Big Alkali Fish Camp
- Lord Ranch Resort
- Rock Creek Lodge
- Berry Bridge Campground
- Big Alkali Fish Camp, LLC
- Fritz's Island Campground
- Riverside RV Park & Campground
- Sunny Brook Camp
Thus, whether one desires a vacation for romantic purposes, for pursuit of history or for adventure, or simply for fishing and hunting in the magnificent outdoors, Valentine just might fit any time of year.
If, though, a weekend in Valentine for a last minute gift comes to mind for people willing to act quickly, they also can have red valentine flowers delivered to their room on February 14th. Would that not be a valentine's gift idea with a touch of class?
Valentine's Day Weekend Update February 2010
Lest one believe this quaint city of Valentine's red hearts is solely dependent on it's moniker, Main Street was devoted solely to a Bull Bash on Saturday, February 13. It was claimed to be the largest and best celebration of its sort to sell prize bulls from throughout the country. the event included live radio broadcasting by a local station.
Other articles by Charles Anderson:
James River North & South Dakota – an overview discussing the world's longest un-navigable river (also, 23rd longest river in the world) with a detailed discussion of the fiver's history and name changes from Tchansansan to Jacques to James to Dakota and back to James River.
Family Reunion Destination in Nebraska Parks - provides information about a terrific area in Northwestern Nebraska for cheap vacations and family reunions.
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