Management

Scotts Bluff at a Glance

Scotts Bluff National Monument was established in 1919 by Presidential Proclamation, marking the first time that the Antiquities Act was used to preserve a landscape based on the westward expansion movement "Manifest Destiny."

The monument encompasses 3,003 acres of prairie and bluff habitat located in the Panhandle of western Nebraska. The monument is dedicated to preserving Scotts Bluff, South Bluff, Mitchell Pass, and the remnants of the Oregon-California Trail. The monument preserves the historical scene, the associated geological features, and natural and cultural resources in perpetuity.

Scotts Bluff is one of over 400 sites within the National Park Service that, working with other partners, helps safeguard this nation's natural and cultural heritage.

Park Purpose

The purpose statement for Scotts Bluff National Monument was drafted through a careful analysis of its enabling legislation and the legislative history that influenced its development. The monument was established when a proclamation was signed by President Woodrow Wilson on December 12, 1919. The purpose statement lays the foundation for understanding what is most important about the monument.

The purpose of Scotts Bluff National Monument is to preserve the scenic, scientific, geologic, and historical integrity of Scotts Bluff. The monument preserves remnants of the Oregon Trail through Mitchell Pass and affords views of surrounding formations that, along with Scotts Bluff, were primary landmarks along the emigrant trails (the Oregon, California, Mormon Pioneer, and Pony Express National Historic Trails) used for westward expansion.

Monument Significance

Significance statements express why a park's resources and values are important enough to merit designation as a unit of the national park system.

The following significance statements have been identified for Scotts Bluff National Monument:

• Historic Trail Corridors: The Overland Trail ruts through Mitchell Pass at Scotts Bluff are the remnants of one of humankind's most epic migrations to America's western frontier.
• Landmark: Scotts Bluff was a physical and emotional landmark for emigrants and had cultural significance to American Indians. Views to and from this landmark were critical for pioneers traveling west.
• Topography and Trail History: The land formations of the area influenced the locations of historic trails, which evolved from the time of the earliest plains inhabitants 8,000 to 10,000 years ago.
• Geology and Paleontology: The monument contains more geologic history than any other location in Nebraska. The exposed strata at Scotts Bluff National Monument span a time period extending from 33-22 million years before present. These geologic deposits yield fossils used as type indicators of the Oligocene epoch (34 to 23 million years before present).
• William Henry Jackson Collection: The monument preserves the largest single collection of watercolor paintings by photographer and artist William Henry Jackson, one of the greatest chroniclers of the Oregon Trail and the westward migration. Fifty of these paintings and many of his personal items now reside at Scotts Bluff National Monument and is the largest single holding of Jackson paintings.

Laws, Policies, and Management

Visitors have the responsibility of knowing the laws and policies at the monument before arriving on-site and taking part in recreational activities. Of course, questions often occur, and visitors may need assistance with clarification of a regulation. For information related to the Code of Federal Regulations and other governing documents, as well as guidance for firearms regulations and collecting of natural objects, please contact the monument at (308) 436-9700.

Laws, policies, and regulations are in place at most every site across the country and around the world. For further information related to agency-wide regulations and guidance, visit the National Park Service online for various links, points of contact, mailing addresses, and phone numbers.

More Information

Laws & Policies - Learn more about regulations, laws and policies pertinent at Scotts Bluff National Monument.

Park Planning - Public documents concerning park planning and public comments.

Monument Statistics - Learn about visitation trends and key dates in Scotts Bluff National Monument's history.