U. S. Coast & Geodetic Survey "Y 2" Jerry Penry
Bench Mark
1901
May 15, 2010
Bench Mark "Y 2" was established by USC&GS at Long Pine, Nebraska, in the year 1901. At the time of its placement, it was very obvious as it was located in the fenced park area just east of the depot. The 6-inch square limestone post was lettered "U S B M" and projected above the ground several inches. In 1941, the Coast & Geodetic Survey noted that it was found in good condition. At that time it was located 42 feet east of the east face of the depot, 4 feet north of the fence along the brick station platform, and 12 feet west of the fence along the street sidewalk. By the end of the 1940's, the fence was removed. In the early 1960's, the old depot was torn down and a new one was built much further west. A street was later built where the bench mark was once located. Today the remains of the brick platform still exist, but it is doubtful that the bench mark has survived. It is possible that at least part of the limestone post might be broken off and still buried. The use of historical photographs has been valuable in determining where this bench mark should have been located in the absence of the old reference ties. The photo below clearly shows the bench mark.
The "Y 2" bench mark at Long Pine is visible in this photograph to the right of the pole.
The fence noted in the 1941 recovery report is now gone. Photo date is September 1950.
Close-up view from the same photograph above.
Only a surveyor would recognize what this white-colored square post represented in the photograph.
This earlier view clearly shows the fence enclosing the railroad park next to the depot.
The bench mark would be located on the other side of the fence in line with the man facing away with the white shirt and dark pants.
Today the area has greatly changed. The last train came through Long Pine in 1992.
The red arrow is an approximate location where the bench mark should be located today.
Probing in this area did not produce anything, but it still could be there!
Back to Original USC&GS Bench Marks
© Jerry Penry 2010