Chimney Rock, a towering sandstone spire rising 470 feet above the North Platte River Valley, has long been an iconic landmark for travelers and Indigenous Peoples alike, guiding Native Americans and over half a million emigrants heading westward in the 19th century. Although erosion has reduced its height by 80 feet, Chimney Rock remains an enduring symbol of the American West. Frequently mentioned in emigrant diaries, it stood as a beacon of progress and hope. Today, as a National Historic Landmark, it draws visitors worldwide, offering new walking trails across its protected site, allowing a closer connection to this natural and historical wonder.
Producer
Michele Wolford