Nemaha River in Nebraska & Kansas: A Laid-Back Look
Okay, so you’re curious about the Nemaha River? It’s not exactly the Mississippi, but this waterway has its own story to tell, winding its way through Nebraska and Kansas with a history as rich as the soil it nourishes. Let’s take a casual stroll along its banks, shall we?
Where Does It All Begin?
The Nemaha isn’t just one stream; it’s more like a family of streams that get together. The main branch, the North Fork, starts its journey way up in Lancaster County, Nebraska, near a place called Panama Township. From there, it meanders southeast, touching the corner of Pawnee County and then flowing through Richardson County.
But wait, there’s more! The South Fork, which some folks call the Kansas branch, is formed by the meeting of Hickory and Tennessee Creeks in Nemaha County, Kansas. This branch heads north, breezes past the old village of Taylor Rapids, and eventually crosses into Nebraska to join the North Fork.
The Big Meet-Up
The two branches finally shake hands (or, you know, merge waters) in Richardson County, near Salem, Nebraska. From there, the newly formed Great Nemaha River heads southeast for about 30 miles. Things get a little quirky after that, as the river crosses the Kansas line not once, not twice, but three times within a short stretch on the old Diminished Iowa Indian reservation. It then straightens out, flowing north and east for about five miles before finally emptying into the Missouri River.
Now, for the stats: the South Fork is around 50 miles long, while the North Fork stretches out to about 150 miles. The Nemaha generally has a pretty lively current, with rapids popping up here and there. These rapids aren’t just for show; they’re actually strong enough to power mills if someone were to build a dam. And that’s not just true for the main river but for its smaller streams, too.
A Glimpse into the Past
The Nemaha River has been on the map for a while. Way back in 1721, a French explorer named Etienne Veniard de Bourgmont is said to have camped near the river’s mouth. He was on a mission to broker peace between the Otoe and Comanche tribes – talk about a tough job!
Then, in 1804, the famous Lewis and Clark expedition rolled through. They set up camp near the river, enjoyed the fresh water, and even carved their names into the limestone cliffs. Can you imagine stumbling upon those carvings today?
Over the years, the river has been called different names. Stephen H. Long, in his expedition accounts from 1818-1820, referred to it as the Great Nemahaw. Prince Maximilian called it the Great Nemawha. Even Father Paul J. DeSmet mentioned it in his letters and sketches from the 1840s.
But where did the name "Nemaha" come from? Well, in the Otoe Indian language, "Nemaha" means "water of cultivation." "Ne" means water, and "maha" refers to planting or cultivation. Pretty fitting, right?
Trading Posts and Ferries
Fast forward to the 1800s, and you’ll find a French-Canadian trader named John Baptiste LeRoy setting up shop on the Nemaha River. He ran a trading post and the first ferry across the river, acting as an interpreter for the Ioway, Sac, and Fox tribes. It’s believed he came to the area with the tribes around 1837, when their reservation included parts of what are now Brown and Doniphan Counties in Kansas, as well as Richardson County in Nebraska.
LeRoy married an Ioway woman and made his home near the mouth of the creek that now bears his name. His ferry became a popular spot, as it was located on a well-traveled route. In fact, when Kansas Territory was created, the first territorial legislature established roads leading to LeRoy’s ferry. He even had connections with the Joseph Robidoux family in St. Joseph, Missouri. Back then, most folks in the area did their trading in Rulo, Nebraska.
Roads to the River
As the area developed, roads were built to make it easier to get to Roy’s Ferry. One of the first roads started at the Wyandotte Ferry on the Kansas River and went through Delaware, Leavenworth, Kickapoo, Port William, Doniphan, Iola, and Iowa Point, all the way to the Kansas-Nebraska line, right across from Roy’s Ferry on the Great Nemaha River. Another road ran directly from Doniphan to the Kansas-Nebraska line via Roy’s Ferry and Iowa Point.
A Boundary Line
For a long time, the Nemaha River served as the dividing line between the Otoe tribe to the north and the Kanza tribe to the south. Later, after those tribes ceded their lands in treaties, the river marked the boundary between the Iowa Reservation to the south and the Half-Breed Tract to the north.
The Nemaha Today
So, what’s the Nemaha River like today? Well, it’s still flowing, still providing water for agriculture, and still holding onto its rich history. It may not be the most famous river in the world, but it’s a reminder of the people, cultures, and events that have shaped this part of the American Midwest.
If you ever find yourself driving through Nebraska or Kansas, take a detour and visit the Nemaha River. Imagine the explorers, traders, and Native Americans who once walked along its banks. It’s a chance to connect with the past and appreciate the natural beauty of this unassuming waterway.