The Fremont, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad reached this area in 1886. An unincorporated townsite named Bowen was platted and designated the county seat of Sioux County. On June 20, 1887, the name was changed from Bowen to Harrison and was incorporated on April 7, 1888. A school, county courthouse, and church were soon built, but until a well could be dug, water had to be hauled five miles by wagon from Sow Belly Canyon.
The Homestead Act of 1904 caused a rapid influx of settlers and Harrison grew to a peak population of 500 in 1940. After WWII, larger farms and ranches, mechanization and improved transportation actually led to a loss of population. In 2020 Harrison had a population of 215 residents. We enjoyed our stay in this friendly little community.
After overnighting in Harrison, the guys were up and on the road about 8 this morning. 
We traveled along Highway 20 with its rolling hills. The road didn’t have much traffic which was nice for the guys.
Not far from Harrison is a historical marker indicating the entrance to Butte Country. There are numerous historical and geographical landmarks from the period of the Indian Wars. Many battles between the Sioux and Crow Indians, as well as pioneers, soldiers, and cattlemen, took place in this area. 
They spotted some antelope as they were riding.
At one of the scenic overlooks we enjoyed the views.
We continued on to Fort Robinson where we would meet Tobey and Phil for their first rest stop after riding 24 miles. 
Before they arrived, we got our park permits then Marcia rode with me and we took the Smiley Canyon Drive. We have been to Fort Robinson several times, but it was the first time I have driven this road. We saw a herd of bison not far from the start. 
The views of the buttes were great!
As we went along the drive, we stopped at a marker which talked about the Boy Scouts helping to replant the area after a fire which took place in 1989. Tobey and I, along with our son Tyler, helped with some of those plantings while Tyler was in Scouts between 1995-1999! 
The Smiley Canyon Drive isn’t very long, but we enjoyed seeing it before heading back to the Fort Robinson Lodge to wait for the guys. After the guys arrived and had a short break they were off again! From Fort Robinson to Crawford they were on a trail. 
It isn’t far, but they got to see wild turkeys on their ride. We saw some along the road but they got to take the picture!
Another 15 miles down the road we stopped for lunch and an hour rest break before their final 12 miles into Chadron. It’s amazing how motivated they looked as they set out on the last leg of today’s journey!
They even had on matching shirts today!
They arrived at the Walmart where we are staying tonight about 2:30 pm after riding 50 miles.
After dinner tonight we played a game of 3-13 and Phil was the big winner. Congratulations, Phil!! We are having breakfast out with a friend of Phil’s at 7:00 am before starting out again. It will be an early bedtime for all of us tonight!
1 comment:
Have a wonderful adventure.
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