December 2022 • Nebraskaland 37
e take bridges for granted, but river-crossing
Nebraskans mostly relied on ferries into the 20th
century. The ferry was a seasonal operation. When
the river iced over, you could simply drive your team
across, as long as you trusted the thickness of the ice.
During the westward migration along the Oregon, Mormon,
and California trails, emigrants fi rst had to pay ferrymen to
take them across the Missouri River. Early ferries were rafts
propelled by poles or oars. Cable ferries were an improvement,
and "team boats" propelled by horses on a treadmill were
faster but less common.
Nebraska Territory opened to Euro-American settlement
in 1854. That year, former fur trader Peter Sarpy of Bellevue
bought a 165-ton steam ferry to better serve the expected
fl ood of settlers. Also that year, the Council Bluff s and
Nebraska Ferry Company built Omaha's fi rst brick building to
serve as the territorial capitol. It was an investment to ensure
continued ferry traffi c.
Crossing Nebraska
Rivers by Ferry
By David L. Bristow, History Nebraska
A team boat was propelled by horses on a treadmill. Santee, Knox County. HISTORY NEBRASKA, RG2118-9-8
W
