Amanda Lamme
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 41° 36.782 W 103° 00.230
13T E 666319 N 4608736
Historical marker commemorating the perils facing pioneers along the wagon trails. Marker is located along US 385 south of Brigdeport.
Waymark Code: WM21NM
Location: Nebraska, United States
Date Posted: 08/20/2007
Views: 43
AMANDA LAMME
On June 23, 1850, twenty-eight-year-old Amanda Lamme, a California-bound
emigrant, died of cholera and was buried near here in what is now private
pastureland. She was the wife of M.J. Lamme of Boone County, Missouri, and
mother of three daughters. The monument that marks her grave was erected in
1912. It was incorrectly engraved with the name Amanda Lamin.
Between 1842 and 1859 an estimated 20,000 emigrants, about 5 percent of the
total, died along the overland trails. Cholera in 1849, 1859, and 1852 caused
many adult deaths. Few children died from this. Malaria, smallpox, measles, and
dysentery took a toll of children and adults alike.
Although wagons moved slowly, people were sometimes crushed beneath the
wheels. Drownings were common at river crossings. Accidental shootings were
frequent because many travelers were unfamiliar with the use of firearms.
Contrary to movie and television portrayals, few emigrants were killed by
Indians. The risk of death probably was about the same for the emigrants as for
the people who stayed at home. ~ text of marker