Seniors Visit The Other “Sidney”

This senior did a search on the Best Small Cities in Nebraska, and up came Sidney, the seat of Cheyenne County, Nebraska with a population of 7,000. Founded in 1867 by the Union Pacific, Sidney was named for Sidney Dillon, a railroad attorney.

The city grew up around the Sidney Barracks, a military outpost with a primary function of protecting the Union Pacific Railroad track layers against the threat of hostile Indians.

The post was initially a block house on a bluff with soldiers residing in nearby tents. In 1869 the post was relocated to the present site and the following year it was renamed Fort Sidney.

During Sidney’s boomtown years, it was a colorful mixture of settlers, freighters, cowboys and soldiers and was also the center of the cattle industry. After the gold rush, Sidney became dependent on farming and ranching.

Deadwood Draw is where you will see some old wagon ruts. The old wind mill and water tank are 20th century “intrusions”.

 Seniors Enjoy An Old Wild West Town

Seniors, be sure to check out “Boot Hill” Cemetery, or the original Sidney Cemetery that has existed since 1868.  It was first created to bury soldiers of Fort Sidney, who died in gun battle.  Sidney eventually became the wildest old west town on the rugged untamed frontier, with many colorful characters.

Toss in the golf clubs and play a round or two at Hillside Golf Course. Sidney invites senior visitors to experience one of Nebraska’s finest municipal golf courses with a breathtaking view of the beauty mother nature has provided.

Stop by the Cheyenne County Community Centre, the recreational sports hub for Sidney and Cheyenne County. TripAdvisor has paid a visit to Sidney and has several attractions that senior visitors will enjoy. A “must see” is the Fort Sidney Museum that shows the Officers’ Quarters and reflects Sidney’s colorful past. The Post Commander’s Home has been restored with original and other period furnishings.

 Seniors Find The Old Lincoln Highway

The National Pony Express Museum is a lasting memorial and a tribute to one of the most dangerous and essential occupations in American history – mail delivery in the wild, wild west, the Pony Express.

Historic Downtown Sidney is well worth your time and the old Lincoln Highway, one of the earliest transcontinental highways across the US, runs right through the middle of town.

Sidney is known as “A Small Town with Big Time Opportunities”. Yours truly being a Master Gardener, would head over to Sidney Memorial Gardens, home to Nebraska’s first Angel of Hope Memorial.

Legion Park houses the War Memorial commemorating veterans from all American wars, a 141-ft flagpole and one of the country’s largest American flags. Take a few shots of that flag and enjoy the scenic wonders in and around Sidney. -jeb