The Caspar Collins Map Collection

Camp Mitchell -- Mud Springs Station -- Ficklins Station (Nebraska Territory)

These three locations are located on a single strip of linen, but each site is an individual map. The strip is 27 inches wide by 12 inches high, with each site occupying 1/3 of the strip. This map is marked by wrinkles and dirt stains and is stored in a mylar sleeve. The map of Camp Mitchell has 3 small holes in the lower left corner. The maps of all three sites are scaled at 20 feet to the inch, have legends and compass guide, are colored, and include dimensions of most structures. Each map also includes a smaller inset showing the location of the camp or station in a larger geographical sense.

Camp Mitchell was located just south of the Platte River and north of the Emigrant-Overland Route in Nebraska Territory. It was established in August 1864 by a captain of the Eleventh Ohio Cavalry, and was originally called Camp Shuman. Sometime prior to 31 August 1864 the name changed to Camp Mitchell. This camp was abandoned in 1867. (Frazer, pp.88-89)

Mud Springs Station was located north of the telegraph and Emigrant-Overland Route in Nebraska Territory. Set 105 miles east of Fort Laramie, this station was important for keeping Fort Laramie in touch with news from the East. Local Indian tribes knew the importance of this site, and attacked on 4 February 1865, the battles lasting several days. This station is now a historic site, located about 10 miles northwest of current city of Dalton.

Ficklins Station was located in Nebraska Territory, most likely between Camp Mitchell and Mud Springs Station. Of all the sites Caspar Collins mapped, this is the most elusive for a modern researcher. This station was possibly named after B.F. Ficklin, the man who came up with the idea of the Pony Express, but there is no evidence available to confirm this. (Spring, p.24; also see Ware, pp.216-217)

(Site information is from Spring, p.61, unless otherwise noted)