"Between 1855 and 1867 companies like Russell, Majors, and Waddell shipped
millions of pounds of freight across the plains to supply military posts and
mining camps to the West. After 1861 freighters followed the "Nebraska City-Fort
Kearney Cut-off" instead of the longer "Ox-Bow Trail," which looped north along
the Platte River. The new route crossed York County in a northwesterly
direction. Road ranches were established along the trail, where provisions,
livestock, and lodging could be obtained.
Porcupine Ranch was he first of five road ranches in York County. Situated at
Porcupine Bluffs on Beaver Creek near the western border of the county, the
ranch was established in 1863 by Benjamin F. Lushbaugh, Agent to the Pawnee.
During the 1860's the ranch provided water and supplies to thousands of
emigrants and freighters. It was also a relay station for the Overland Stage
Company, which carried passengers and mail.
With the completion of the transcontinental railroad through the area in
1867, emigrant, stagecoach, and freighting traffic declined. Porcupine Ranch and
other road ranches were soon abandoned as towns grew up along the railroad." ~
text of marker
York County Historical Association
Nebraska State Historical Society
I-80, west of York, thence of Exit 342, thence 2 miles north on Hwy. S93A
York County
Marker 279