Saunders County, NE
For many years, Saunders County had drawn people with its offer of a better life. The Otoe and Pawnee Indians followed the buffalo into this area and settled along its rivers and streams. Before the arrival of settlers, a Pawnee Indian village,
containing 50 or more lodges covering a four-block
area, was located in what is now the southeast part of
Wahoo. In the vicinities of Cedar Bluffs, Leshara, and Yutan there are other historic sites of early Pawnee and Otoe Indian villages.
The earliest settlers were predominantly Czech, German, and Scandinavians whose hard work, determination, and ingenuity turned their dreams into realities. The Ox-Bow Trail traversing across Saunders County is historically marked by one of the twin rocks that the Mormon travelers and other pioneers used as an identifying point along their journey west. In Ashland, built along the Ox-Bow Trail, the Beetison home is still in family ownership since its construction in 1874.
As the railroad came to the area, towns sprang up in the county with business, schools and churches to serve the area's growing needs. The Saunders County Historical Society invites you to relive the rich heritage of Saunders County at the museum in Wahoo, the county seat.
Explore Saunders County
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
The first Lutheran services ever conducted in Wahoo were in 1880. They were conducted by Rev. Nels Nordling, pastor of Edensburg church of Malmo and were held in the N.J. Anderson photography gallery. On December 25, 1883 the Swedes organized the present congregation. Lots 4, 5, and 6
Wahoo, NE Historic ChurchesDavid Letterman Late Show
Wahoo is the Home Office of the Late Show with David Letterman.
To see Wahoo as part of the Late Show website, look for Wahoo at:
www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow//
Wahoo, NE One Of A KindsHistoric Driving Tour
Take your own personal tour down beautifully tree-lined streets, graced with lovely older homes and buildings. The Wahoo Chamber and Economic Development has printed a self-guided brochure listing 15
Wahoo, NE ToursMemorial Torpedo
Displayed on the front lawn of the Saunders County Courthouse is the only submarine memorial in the United States, a World War II torpedo dedicated to the serviceman of the war.
Wahoo, NE MemorialsOak Creek Trailhead
A corridor once used by the Union Pacific Railroad, the Oak Creek Trail is now part of the American Discovery Trail route through Nebraska. The 12
Valparaiso, NE TrailsVernon Dean House
Many of the homes in Ashland carry a legacy of their own with some residences dating back over 100 years, and a majority of these are still lived in. One of these historic homes is over 135 years old and is still lived in without much visible change in its exterior appearance. In 1864
Ashland, NE Historic HomesMonastery
Valparaiso is the home of the inspiring chapel at the monastery of Carmel of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
While this page is being developed you may view pictures of the monastery at their website listed below.
Valparaiso, NEEarly Churches
Some of the early churches that are serving Valparaiso are:
Mary A. Johnson Episcopal Church was dedicated in 1881.
Church of Christ was dedicated in October, 1883.
The Baptist Church was built and dedicated about 1885 or 1886.
Saints Mary &
Valparaiso, NE Historic ChurchesNational Bank of Ashland - NHR
The two-story brick and stone commercial building, which was constructed in 1889 in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, was designed by the architectural firm of I. and I. Hodgson, Jr., with offices in Omaha and Portland, Oregon. Between 1889 and 1947
Ashland, NE National RegisterStrategic Air and Space Museum
The new Strategic Air Command (SAC) Museum stands as a tribute to the men and women of SAC who safeguarded liberty around the globe for nearly 50 years. The story of SAC and its people is preserved for future generations within the wall of this extraordinary Museum. The Strategic Air &
Ashland, NE MuseumsWillow Point Gallery
Visit the Gallery and Museum that people are talking about. Mentioned
Ashland, NE ArtsSt. Wenceslaus Catholic Church
The first group of Czech settlers to come to the vicinity of Wahoo arrived in August of 1874. These settlers, who were of the Catholic faith, had to travel 15 to 20 miles in order to attend mass. For three years these settlers traveled to Plasi, Fremont or Abie to attend services. Finally in 1877
Wahoo, NE Historic Churches