JUNE 2017 • NEBRASKAland 51
the clear waters of Rock Creek, and
its shady oaks, cottonwoods and elms.
Several people spotted the potential for
business here: first, brothers S.C. and
Newton Glenn, who set up a humble
trading post, and then David McCanles,
who is believed to be the horseman
pictured in the 1860 photograph. A
North Carolina sheriff and military
academy graduate, McCanles dreamed
of striking it rich in the gold fields of
Colorado. He became disillusioned on
his way there after continually meeting
with empty-handed miners on their
way back East, and switched tactics,
purchasing Rock Creek Station in
1859.
Rock Creek was one of the most
difficult crossings on the Oregon-
California Trail, requiring travelers to
undergo the arduous process of hoisting
their wagons up and down its steep,
rocky banks. Seizing an opportunity
for business, McCanles built a bridge
and charged travelers a toll of 10 to
50 cents to cross, depending on their
ability to pay and the size of the load.
McCanles also divided the property
into east and west ranches, continuing
to use the West Ranch as an emigrant
This rare 1860 daguerreotype was discovered at the California State Library in Sacramento, and it is the only known photo of Rock
Creek Station during its operation.
COURTESY
OF
CALIFORNIA
STATE
LIBRARY.
OPPOSITE:
SELF-PORTRAIT
BY
CODY
MOBLEY
