Jefferson County, NE
Visitors to Jefferson County and the Fairbury area will find themselves deep in the heart of Oregon Trail Country. The historic trail, on which thousands of immigrants traveled west to California and Oregon, cuts diagonally across the county from the southeast corner to the northwest. Wagon ruts are still visible at Rock Creek Station Historical Park southeast of Fairbury, at George Winslow's grave site north of Fairbury and at various other locations across the county. Monuments have been erected along the route, along with monuments marking the sites of the Pony Express Route which also ran through the county. A monument marking the major stations in the county along with a Pony Express plaque is also located on the northeast corner of the Jefferson County Courthouse in Fairbury. The Tri-County Oregon Trail Monument gives the legend of the Oregon Trail through Washington County, Kan., Gage County and Jefferson County.
For twelve years and nine months, while Nebraska was still a territory, the present Jefferson County was Jones County. In 1867, Nebraska became a state, which included one very sizeable county called Jefferson. In 1871, D.C. Jenkins introduced a bill to divide this large county with the Sixth Principal Meridian being the division line. The settlers voted in favor of ratification and the eastern part became the present Jefferson County and the western portion has henceforth been known as Thayer County.
Tales of the discovery of gold attracted thousands of people to travel through the area on their way to the mountains. By the late 1850s road ranches were established to provide these fortune seekers with supplies. At Rock Creek Station on the Oregon Trail and Pony Express Route the legend of "Wild Bill" Hickok was born after he gunned down one David McCanles, and two station attendants.
The hills and canyons south and west of the Oregon Trail offered ideal places of retreat from which outlaws, robbers and desperados based their operations. Evidence of usage has been found of several such places. Rock-enclosed springs, remnants, and rock walls with a remaining position of certain rocks and soil indicate man's habitation of the area many years ago.
A Jefferson County self-guided day trip is listed in the attractions section and provides information about many historical sites throughout the county.
Explore Jefferson County
Crystal Springs
Crystal Springs may be near Fairbury, but it is a world apart from city life.
The 73-acre park just south of Fairbury offers recreation and a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities in a location that is less than five miles from civilization.
Fairbury, NE RV Parks
Smith Lime Kiln
A long-abandoned lime kiln, looking very much like a large stone chimney stands along the River Road northwest of Fairbury. For a period of at least 20 years, it was the sight of a lime-burning operation where limestone was heated, or "calcined"
Fairbury, NE National RegisterHistoric Homes Tour
1112 C Street: American Foursquare home built in 1902 by B.G. Dawson.
1016 D Street: Gothic-Georgian Revival 1910 Showhouse built by architect W.F. Gernandt.
822 E Street: Italiante home built in the 1870s.
1007 E Street:
Fairbury, NE ToursJefferson County Courthouse
The Fairbury Journal-News once printed that the Jefferson County Courthouse was not a museum, but perhaps it should qualify. Business is still conducted daily but visitors may wish to stop in just to have a look at the building and it's contents. Built in 1891 at a cost of $60,000
Fairbury, NE Historic CourthousesFairbury City Museum
This museum has been located for many years on the west side of the downtown square in Fairbury. It is now in a larger building that allows the display of items in a much more pleasant atmosphere and has more space for new items. The museum'
Fairbury, NE MuseumsSteele City Historical District
Four old restored buildings are the main attractions here. The district has a 1900 stone blacksmith's shop in working condition, 1902 stone livery stable, 1880's stone Baptist church and brick bank museum.
Steele City Blacksmith Shop:
Steele City, NE National RegisterBonham Theatre
Both the Bonham Theatre, and the First National Bank, located on the northwest corner of Fifth and E streets, were at one time owned by Luther Bonham.
Bonham Theatre'
Fairbury, NE TheatresCampbell Bros. Circus -1885 to 1913
"Above the roar of the lions, the music of the calliope, and the laughter and chatter of the throngs of people, the cries of the circus barker were heard throughout the towns and cities where this great circus performed."
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Fairbury, NE One Of A KindsRock Creek Station State Park
Rock Creek Station State Park is a Pony Express and emigrant station where James Butler Hickok gained his famed name, "Wild Bill", when he shot and killed the station attendant, D.C. McCanles, in 1861
Fairbury, NE Historic Sites