From the first few weeks in May until about August Ogallala was a bustling town, considering it had fewer than 25 permanent residents. Ogallala had only three streets. One street that paralleled the railroad to the south and one to the North.A street running south intersected Railroad Street and ran to the edge of the Norther river On the corner of the intersection of Railroad Street, Aufdengarten built a frame building that was complete with a porch and covered roof. Aufdengarten sold drover supplies and liquor from his store. The Section House was built on the north side of the tracks and provided an eating establishment for train travelers and railroad workers. 1874 saw the opening of the cattle chutes managed by Phil Lonergan. They were built along the north side of the tracks near the West edge of town. East and North of Aufdengartens store lie The Spofford House. This Hotel was luxurious considering Ogallala, and became the place for cattlemen to initiate business deals. The Spofford House was built in 1876 by Millard Leech and his father in law. The depot was located North of the tracks but west of the trail. The depot was used for passengers as they passed through Ogallala. A water tower was directly North of the depot, and a coal chute was located there as well. Two section houses constructed of Cottonwood were built along side the depot, where the railroad crew lived. Directly West on the North end of the depot lie the cattle Chutes. Built in 1874 under the eye if Phil Lonergan. This was where cattle would be shipped to Chicago beginning the first of September until November. Another street paralleling the railroad to the north contained small shacks that were brothels for a number of years. Northwest of the brothels lie the small courthouse brought to Ogallala in 1873 by Robert Law. A stone jail was connected to the courthouse and later a small white frame school house was built. Also near this location were the few permanent residents homes. South of the tracks along railroad street were several other businesses. On the very west sedge of the road was The Ogallala House. Built in 1876 by Samuel Gast, it doubled as a restaurant and hotel. He also offered billiard. Next in line south of the tracks east of The Ogallala House was The Crystal Palace Saloon. Built in 1875, it was a popular stop for cowboys. Beside The Crystal Palace lie The OK Saloon built in1875 later purchased by Bill Tucker and became known as The Cowboys Rest. Behind The Cowboys rest lie several rooms that may have been built for the saloon girls. Lonergan and Stone had their mens clothing store east of The Cowboys Rest. From there moving East on the West corner of the trail was Raynors butchering cafe. It was known as The Sweet Shop. Source :(Bodies on Boot Hill) by Karyn Stansberry.
Posted on: Sat, 09 Aug 2014 17:43:32 +0000
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