|
 Until
1876 the Pawnee were the most influential and populous of the native
peoples of Nebraska. At the time of Lewis & Clark (1804-1806)
and of Zebulon Pike (1806), the Pawnee were living in two to six
principal towns. The towns ranged in size from 40 to 200 earth lodges.
This 38-ft. in diameter replica of an 1830s lodge would have been
home to 30 to 50 people. Visit
the Pawnee Earth Lodge, teepees, and watch the buffalo grazing on
the prairie for an experience in Indian life at Stuhr Museum. The
earth lodge, designed in the style of the Pawnee Indian, is filled
with authentic items for visitors to experience how life in the
lodge existed. See how its inhabitants used the space inside the
lodge to live, survive, worship, and celebrate family. Walk
along the original pioneer trail used by mountain men William Ashley
and Jim Beckwourth, by military men such as Stephen H. Long and
soldiers of Fort Kearny, and by missionaries Dr. Marcus Whitman
and wife Narcissa. Pioneers bound for Oregon and California also
traveled these trails. Wagon swales are still visible here after
175 years.
See Sampson the buffalo and his goat buddy Clyde, who live near the earth lodge.
The
Pawnee Earth Lodge interior is open to visitors on weekends May
1-September 30. During other times, exterior viewing is welcome. |