By Nebraska Press Association
KEARNEY - A history-making return of the Pawnee to Fort Kearny will be celebrated Oct. 7 at a "Share the History, Share the Harvest" event at Fort Kearny State Historical Park and the nearby State Recreation Area.
The focus will be a long-overdue recognition of the Pawnee Scouts' U.S. military service at Fort Kearny from 1864-1871. Overall, an estimated 1,000 Pawnees served as military allies from 1864-1877.
According to Mark van de Logt, an associate professor of history at Texas A&M University at Qatar and author of "War Party in Blue, Pawnee Scouts in the U.S. Army," the Scouts were valuable allies as people and railroads moved west. The Pawnee had knowledge of the terrain, familiarity with Lakota and Cheyenne military tactics, and endurance in battle.
Fort Kearny State Park Superintendent Gene Hunt said, "It will be an honor to visit with descendants of Pawnee Scouts who served at Fort Kearny."
There also will be a celebration of the 2023 harvest of Pawnee crops and of the 20th anniversary of the Pawnee Seed Preservation Society, a partnership between Nebraska growers and the Pawnee in Oklahoma to restore more than 20 Pawnee corn varieties.
Ronnie O'Brien of Shelton, coordinator of Nebraska growers for Pawnee Keeper-of-the-Seeds and preservation society Executive Director Deb Echo-Hawk, said, "If there is such a thing as current history, this is it. It's been a privilege to help restore Pawnee corn in its native Nebraska soil."
The event to honor the Pawnee is part of Kearney's 150th anniversary celebration, in conjunction with the Buffalo County Historical Society. Also notable, 2023 is the 175th anniversary of the construction of Fort Kearny at the current site along the Platte River southeast of the city.
Oct. 7 events will start with history re-enactors, activities and displays at the historical park from 9 a.m. to noon.
At the state recreation area, lunch will be available for purchase, starting at noon. From 1-5 p.m., visitors can attend the recognition of Pawnee Scouts – some direct descendants plan to be present - and visit displays of Pawnee heritage crops.
Pawnee singers, drummers and dancers will help attendees learn about Pawnee culture. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the Pawnee about how important the Pawnee Scouts and their sacred corn are to their culture," Hunt said.
There is no admission fee, but a Nebraska State Park entry permit is required at both sites. The historical park and SRA are one mile apart on Highway 50A.
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for seating.
For more information, visit the website at VisitKearny.org or call 308-865-5305.