Patio Talk on Trails Navigation at the Trails Center
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CASPER, Wyo. -- Do you want to learn how people in the 1800s navigated their way around the prairie?
Come to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center on June 23, at 1 pm. for the presentation, “How the Prairie Was Navigated in the Mid-19th Century.” Don Erickson, a living historian and re-enactor with the U.S. Topographical Engineers, shares the intricacies, methodology and science of land navigation in the 1800’s. He will talk about the transportation corridors, including migration and commerce along the pioneer route known as the Great Platte River road. This program aims to connect participants with public lands, and in turn with America’s natural and cultural heritage.
Navigating the prairie and high plains in the mid-19th century was a difficult task. Successful navigation could mean the difference between life and death. The U.S. Topographical Engineers explored and mapped thousands of miles of routes which helped lead emigrants safely across the western United States. Learn how this was done by joining Mr. Erickson on a fascinating journey back in time.
For more information, please contact the NHTIC by calling (307) 261-7780.
The NHTIC is a public-private partnership between the BLM and the National Historic Trails Center Foundation. The facility is located at 1501 N. Poplar Street, Casper, Wyoming.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act, there are 30 congressionally designated National Scenic and Historic Trails in the National Trails System. National Historic Trails are extended trails that closely follow a historic trail or route of travel that is of national significance. The BLM now protects nearly 6,000 miles of 18 designated trails in 15 States, and the BLM also manages thousands of miles of trails under study for potential designation.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.