Railroad Town 1898

Railroad Town, 1898

GRAND ISLAND, STUHR MUSEUM - Railroad Town, the living history community nestled on the grounds of Stuhr Museum, opens for business on Thursday, May 1 for another season of history, events and fun. The moment you step into Railroad Town, you travel back in time over 100 years to see, hear and experience pioneer history for yourself.

Each year, businesses, homes, schools and churches open to the public to allow for an authentic look at the 1890s. From the Blacksmith's shop to the Silver Dollar to the homes lining the main streets to the one-of-a-kind finds at the Mercantile, Railroad Town offers a unique experience May 1 through September 30 each year.

Part of the pleasure of visiting Railroad Town is seeing the subtle changes that happen from year to year, and this year is no different as Railroad Town begins the year 1898.

Railroad Town Nebraska 1898

The events of 1898 will prove to be exciting for the citizens of Central Nebraska and much of that excitement will carry over into Railroad Town. On February 15, 1898, the battleship Maine exploded in Havana harbor, killing 258 men and two officers. This event, whipped to a froth by the newspapers of the times would shortly trigger US action in Cuba, including a blockade of Cuban ports and the declaration of war on Spain – All of this before May 1 st – which coincidentally is the anniversary of the Battle of Manila Bay! Before long, the cry of “Remember the Maine” his heard everywhere and the exploits of such people as Commodore Dewey and Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders are leading topics of conversation. 1898 is recognized as a year that changed the course of U.S. history as the nation shifted away from its long isolationist policy towards active foreign involvement. 1898 was a time of technological advancement that both instilled excitement and fear in the population of the nation. And if that isn’t enough, Walter Wellman is writing about his search for the North Pole and arctic exploration.

So what does this mean for Nebraska, and in particular for Railroad Town? We are in line with the rest of the nation – our patriotic hackles are raised, and everyone is talking about the war with Spain. Spanish influence in the world and daily war reports are a topic of conversation in all the newspapers in 1898. Young men from all over Nebraska, including Railroad Town are joining militia groups and heading off to mosquito-filled training camps and then to fight in the Philippines, Puerto Rico or Cuba. Ladies are not left out, and many are expressing an interest in Red Cross work to assist those who are wounded in battle. Talk of yet another war sparks the memories of the Civil War veterans of Railroad Town, and many a rocking chair general is born.

Meanwhile, live goes on as usual in Railroad Town. You can hear the hammer striking the anvil most days as Mr. Dack continues to make repairs or fill orders. The other trades are bustling as orders are placed and filled. Everyone has an eye on the Platte Valley Independent as they anxiously await the latest war news — or the latest information about the next sale at the Mercantile. In the houses, the ladies have many new handcrafts gleaned from the latest magazines they are anxious to try, and everyone is talking about the festivities for July 4th and the 1898 Agricultural Fair.

For more information on Railroad Town and all it has to offer, go here or call (308) 385-5316.