If you've got a penchant for horse-drawn buggies, you might want to figure in a trip to Homestead National Monument of America in the coming months, as there's a collection of horse-drawn buggies on display there.
The monument, located near Beatrice, Nebraska, has the collection on loan from Dean Thornburg. The free display can be seen in the monument's Education Center building through March 2012.
The buggies are similar to those used by early homesteaders in the Midwest. Even for people will little horse experience, a horse and buggy was relatively easy to manage, according to monument officials, who add that "until the 20th century, horse and buggies could be seen everywhere from rural communities to the inner city.
The monument is located four miles west of Beatrice. It's open for visitors from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. There is no entrance fee charged.
Comments
Anyone planning a trip through Nebraska should make every possible effort to visit Homestead. It's an absolutely fascinating little place.
I had planned on spending a few hours there and wound up spending an entire day. Displays in the visitor center are extensive. The grounds are beautiful and the stories they tell run the entire emotional gamut from tragic to delightful.
I camped in the town park in Beatrice (which I learned is pronounced bee-A-triss). Right smack in the center of one of the most friendly towns I've ever visited. Local people repeatedly went out of their way to make me welcome. And so did the staff at Homestead.
If you bypass Beatrice and Homestead, you're cheating yourself.
Nebraska is a wonderful place-- I lived there for 16 years during college and grad school. The nicest people you will ever meet.