North Platte Canteen Memorial | North Platte

Information

Landmark: North Platte Canteen Memorial
City: North Platte
Country: USA Nebraska
Continent: North America

North Platte Canteen Memorial, North Platte, USA Nebraska, North America

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

It commemorates the volunteer efforts of the citizens of North Platte during World War II.

Visual Characteristics

The memorial features a central bronze statue depicting a woman serving food to soldiers. The statue is mounted on a concrete base. Surrounding the statue are informational plaques and a low stone wall. The area is landscaped with grass and trees.

Location & Access Logistics

The memorial is situated at the intersection of Jeffers Street and 10th Street in North Platte, Nebraska. It is approximately 1.5 km south of the city center. Parking is available in a designated lot adjacent to the memorial. No public transport directly serves the memorial site, but bus routes operate along nearby Jeffers Street.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The North Platte Canteen operated from March 1942 to April 1946. It was a volunteer-run facility that provided food, drinks, and hospitality to millions of U.S. servicemen and women passing through North Platte via train during World War II. The memorial was erected to honor this significant community effort.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can read the historical plaques detailing the canteen's operations. The site serves as a point of reflection on wartime community support. Photography of the bronze statue is permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are not directly on-site but are available at nearby public facilities. Limited shade is provided by mature trees. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No food vendors are located at the memorial itself, but businesses are present in the surrounding downtown area.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting on the bronze statue, early morning or late afternoon is recommended. Weather is generally most favorable for outdoor visits between May and October.

Facts & Legends

During its operation, the North Platte Canteen served an average of 3,000 to 5,000 servicemen daily. It was staffed entirely by volunteers from North Platte and surrounding communities, with women taking the primary roles in food preparation and service.