Nestled in the small city of Sidney, Nebraska, Fort Sidney stands as a testament to the profound impact of military presence on the development of America's transcontinental railroad. Established in 1867, Fort Sidney played a pivotal role in protecting and facilitating the construction of this monumental railway, which connected the East and West coasts of the United States. READ MORE >>>

Fort Sidney was an integral part of the formation of the town of Sidney and was an important safety measure to those traveling on the 267-mile Gold Rush trail between Sidney and to Deadwood between 1874 and 1880. Most of the supplies and freight coming to and from the gold camps traveled this trail, and thousands in gold left the Black Hills each week bound for Sidney to be shipped to various stops along the rail line. READ MORE >>>

A Soldier’s Christmas Story at Fort Sidney

Imagine the scene: the wind sweeping across the Nebraska plains, a dusting of snow on the parade grounds, and the warm glow of lamplight spilling from the Post Commander’s Home. For soldiers stationed at Fort Sidney in the 1880s, Christmas brought a much-needed pause from duty — a chance to find joy, fellowship, and a little piece of home far from the comforts they left behind. READ MORE >>>