The History of Broken Arrow Wilderness
The site of Broken Arrow Wilderness is as rich in Nebraska history and legend as it is in scenic beauty. Its most striking feature is a mile-long ridge of clay cliffs, highlighted by Lover's Leap, a bluff that towers 250 feet above the Cedar River Valley and offers one of Nebraska's most breathtaking vistas.
Below the bluffs lies a forest of more than 10,000 majestic oak trees, finger canyons that separate rolling hills of untouched native prairie, and a diverse woodland of cottonwoods, maples, and dogwoods teeming with wildlife. It is no wonder that this remarkable landscape has become intertwined with so much of Nebraska's history and folklore.
The Pawnee and the Sacred Bluff
Long before settlers arrived, the Pawnee Indians built the lodges of their winter camp here. At that time, the Cedar River flowed directly below the cliffs. For the Pawnee, Lover's Leap was considered sacred ground.
Early references to the site called it Buffalo Leap, as Native Americans reportedly drove small herds of buffalo over the cliffs as a method of hunting. The Pawnee also referred to the area as "Loons Leap," a word believed to mean "altar."
Nebraska's First Fourth of July Celebration
In 1844, what is believed to have been Nebraska's first formal Fourth of July celebration was held here. According to records kept by Mrs. Elvira Gaston Platte, a group of government missionaries sent to teach farming methods to Native Americans climbed to the top of the bluff overlooking the Cedar River and held a ceremony commemorating the nation's independence.
At that time, the area was known as Cedar Bluff.
The Legend of Lover's Leap
Pioneer families traveling west often stopped here to rest and refresh themselves. Many climbed to the top of the cliffs to look back on where they had come from and ahead to where they were going.
In 1857, a tragic story emerged involving a group of settlers from Indiana. According to local legend, the party consisted of John Edington, his wife, their daughter Nellie, and brothers Frank and John Wickland. Frank and Nellie were engaged to be married.
The story tells that Native Americans captured the group, burned their wagons, and killed their livestock. The captors intended to spare only Nellie, supposedly for the chief. Frank protested loudly, and Nellie pleaded to share the fate of the others.
The chief offered Frank a bargain: ride "down the bank," and the others would be spared.
Frank mounted an Indian pony and was led to the top of the cliff. He rode over the brink, falling to his death in full view of the remaining captives. Frank was buried near where he fell, the settlers were released, and the bluff became known as Lover's Leap.
Randall Fuller and Fuller's Park
In 1878, Randall Fuller, founder of Fullerton, purchased Lover's Leap and the surrounding land after the Pawnee had been relocated to present-day Oklahoma.
Fuller began nurturing the oak undergrowth, eventually creating a 40-acre forest containing more than 4,000 oak trees. Over time, that forest expanded into the more than 10,000 oak trees that cover the property today.
The Fullerton Chautauqua
Beginning in 1897, the site became home to one of Nebraska's earliest and most successful Chautauquas. These gatherings, which often lasted up to two weeks, attracted visitors from across the region.
Guests enjoyed leisure boat rides on the Cedar River, swimming, camping, tennis, and social activities. During the afternoons and evenings, thousands gathered in the natural amphitheater formed by the curved walls surrounding Lover's Leap to hear musicians, actors, lecturers, evangelists, politicians, and entertainers.
At this time, the property was known as Fuller's Park.
The Fullerton Chautauqua grew into the largest event of its kind in Nebraska and one of the most prominent between Omaha and Denver. Notable visitors included evangelist Billy Sunday, politician William Jennings Bryan, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and silent film star Lillian Gish.
During its peak years from 1912 to 1920, excursion trains arrived several times daily from nearly every direction, bringing thousands of visitors to the annual event.
As automobile travel became more practical and affordable, attendance gradually declined. The final Fullerton Chautauqua was held in 1929.
Civilian Conservation Corps Era
Following the end of the Chautauquas, the property sat largely idle for several years.
In 1936, the federal government sent workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps to develop the camp. CCC workers lived on-site while completing projects throughout the area.
They constructed numerous buildings, installed a complete water and sewer system, completed landscaping projects, and carried out soil conservation work throughout the Plum Creek watershed. Most temporary CCC structures were later removed after the program ended.
Camp Moses Merrill
In 1939, the property was purchased to establish Camp Moses Merrill, a summer retreat and activity center for Nebraska Baptist churches.
The Baptists envisioned creating one of the most complete summer religious camps in the Midwest. They brought electricity to the property and constructed most of the buildings still standing today, including cabins, bunkhouses, bathhouses, the dining hall, office facilities, and other camp structures.
The chapel, one of the property's most recognizable landmarks, was completed in 1948.
Camp Moses Merrill served generations of Nebraska youth and church groups for more than 30 years before entering a gradual decline. By 1974, the camp had begun a long period of reduced activity and deterioration.
Quiet Oaks and Restoration
From 1979 until 1999, the property operated as Quiet Oaks, but saw only limited use and little maintenance.
In 1999, the property was purchased by Doug and Darla Russell. Having grown up in the area and descended from local homesteading families, they shared a deep appreciation for both the land and its history.
Their goal was to restore the camp, preserve its historical significance, and ensure that future generations could continue to enjoy and learn from this unique piece of Nebraska heritage.
Broken Arrow Wilderness Today
Today, Broken Arrow Wilderness is located just outside Fullerton along the Cedar River.
The family-owned and operated campground offers RV campsites, primitive tent camping, cottages, hiking trails leading to Lover's Leap, tanking and tubing on the Cedar River, Jeep trail events on designated dates, outdoor concerts, weddings in the historic chapel or beneath the oak trees, wedding receptions, company gatherings, family reunions, and many other special events.
Broken Arrow Wilderness remains dedicated to preserving the natural beauty, history, and traditions that have made this remarkable property a treasured destination for generations.