The history of Lodgepole has been closely associated with
railroad development and overland travel in western Nebraska. It
was originally established as a station when the Union Pacific
Railroad was completed to this point in 1867. A company of U.S.
soldiers from nearby Sidney Barracks camped here to guard the
railroad against Indian attack, and during the early 1860's a
Pony Express Station was located a few miles to the east.
Lodgepole derives its name from Lodgepole Creek where Indians
reportedly secured timber for their tipi poles. Little permanent
settlement occurred until the early 1880's, and the town was
platted in 1884. By 1886 it had a population of about 200
people. Stock raising was an important early industry, and many
of the state's pioneer ranches were located in the region. This
depot was constructed by the Union Pacific Railroad in 1887 on a
site adjacent to the tracks. It replaced an earlier section
house and was in use until 1968. In 1971 a gift from Mrs. Doris
Bates Rowan in memory of her