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
Valparaiso Library
The library occupies the building that originally housed the Oak Creek Valley Bank from 1907 to 1980
Valparaiso, NE LibrariesFirst Christian Church (DOC)
L.C. Barrow and D. R. Dungan, prominent evangelists of the early 1880's, were instrumental in establishing the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Ashland, Nebraska. This little band of Christians met in different homes or other availbale places until 1884
Ashland, NE ChurchesSaunders County Courthouse
In the early1900s the old courthouse building became inadequate which led to the construction of a new building. In 1903 a vote was held for the issuing of bonds and the construction of a proper kind of building for county purposes. It passed by a vote of 1,967 to 524
Wahoo, NE Historic CourthousesVernon 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 HomesAshland Stir-Up Celebration
Street Dance * Beer Garden * Carnival * Parade * Car Show * Teen Dance
Ashland Chamber of Commerce will host the Annual Stir-Up Days in July in downtown Ashland. The festival has been a continuous source of fun for over 60
Ashland, NE FestivalsArchie Hightshoe Animal Collection
Nestled among the storefronts of Ashland, Nebraska is Willow Point Gallery, the home of The Archie Hightshoe Big Game Collection, or as local people call it, "Home of the Bear." There, for the delight of all ages, over 30
Ashland, NE MuseumsHistoric 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 ToursSt. 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 ChurchesFirst Congregational Church
The First Congregational Church was organized at Eldred, 12 miles northeast of Wahoo. Rev. Mr. Giddings was the preacher for both Eldred and Wahoo. The organizational meeting was headed by Rev. J.E. Heaton and took place on May 28, 1871. In 1880, a church was erected on the southeast corner of 5
Wahoo, NE Historic ChurchesIsrael Beetison House - NHR
The Israel Beetison House is one of the finest examples of the Italianate style in Nebraska, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The residence was constructed in 1874-75 of locally quarried limestone by the Dalton Brothers,
Ashland, NE National RegisterDavid 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 KindsSt. Stephen's Episcopal Church - NHR
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church is a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture. Board and batten construction adds to its individuality, and the building has undergone only minor alterations since its construction in 1872. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Ashland, NE Historic Churches