Great Northern Mountain | Whitefish

Information

Landmark: Great Northern Mountain
City: Whitefish
Country: USA Montana
Continent: North America

Great Northern Mountain, Whitefish, USA Montana, North America

The North Platte Canteen Memorial is a monument located in North Platte, Nebraska, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The memorial features a central bronze statue depicting a young woman in uniform serving a soldier. The statue is mounted on a granite base. Surrounding the base are informational plaques and a flagpole. The overall design is intended to evoke a sense of service and gratitude.

Location & Access Logistics

The memorial is situated at the intersection of Jeffers Street and Fourth Street in North Platte, Nebraska. It is approximately 0.5km South of the city center. Parking is available on adjacent streets, primarily Fourth Street. Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus stop is approximately 0.8km East on Dewey Street, served by Route 2.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The memorial commemorates the North Platte Canteen, which operated from January 1942 to April 1946. It was established by the citizens of North Platte to provide refreshments and hospitality to over six million servicemen and women passing through on troop trains during World War II. The memorial was dedicated in 1947.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can view the bronze statue and read the historical plaques detailing the canteen's operation. The site serves as a point of reflection on the contributions of North Platte residents during the war effort. Photography of the memorial is permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are not directly on-site but are available at nearby businesses. There is no dedicated shade structure at the memorial itself. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in this urban location. Food vendors and restaurants are located within a 0.5km radius.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting on the bronze statue, early morning or late afternoon is recommended. The weather in North Platte is most favorable for outdoor visits during the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) months, with average temperatures ranging from 15-25 degrees Celsius.

Facts & Legends

During its operation, the North Platte Canteen was staffed entirely by volunteers, primarily women from North Platte and surrounding communities. It is estimated that over 100,000 volunteer hours were contributed. A unique aspect was the "canteen song," a tune composed by a local musician to be sung by volunteers and servicemen.