COMMENTARY
This is a view of the Niobrara, looking East from the bridge towards where Jules and
Henriette, his second wife, first moved from Mirage Flats. Their place was
on the left bank, along the river course round to the right, possibly out
of view in this picture.
The site of the River Place from Indian Hill, south of the river. On the land
you are now on was his neighbour and enemy, Freese.
The buildings in view are modern.
It was only after Freese went to the asylum and Henriette divorced Old
Jules that he moved to the south bank, building a place for wife number
three, Emelia. She stayed two weeks and took off when his back was turned.
If you have time it you should also take a stroll down through the tall
trees to the infant Niobrara. Spring-fed, this river never stops flowing,
hence the name given it by the Native peoples, which translates as
Running Water.
From the track, ahead of you and to your right is the promontory known as
Indian Hill. This was a special place for Mari, where she went when she
needed time to think and be alone. It’s worth the climb to the top – both
for the view and to see the plaque in the ground.
Return now to the rough road you came in on, drive between the two tyres
and on up a bumpy trail. The first 100 yards or so are the worst.
Use the links at the foot of the page to navigate
through the trail guide ....
NEXT - to Smith Lake.