Sage Brothers Memorial

The Sage Brothers Memorial plaque was originally placed at the
entrance to Sage Brothers Memorial Field. In 1999 it was moved to
downtown Niobrara, just north of the Niobrara Mall.

On the night of June 2, 1969, while on maneuvers in the South China Sea off the coast of Vietnam, the Australian aircraft carrier, Melbourn, was in collision with the destroyer, USS Frank E. Evans. The impact cut the Evans in two, the bow section sinking almost immediately. Seventy-four American seaman were lost, including three brothers from Niobrara, Nebraska: Gary, Gregory, and Kelly Sage. The brothers, 22, 21, and 19 years of age respectively, were the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Sage, and had been stationed together aboard the Evans at their own request. This tragedy was perhaps the greatest single loss sacrificed by any Nebraska family of the many who have contributed their sons to the service of the Nation.

At memorial services in Niobrara on June 11, 1969, the Governor of Nebraska eulogized the brothers saying that "Every generation of Americans has answered the call to the colors ... So it was with the Sage brothers who were serving in the finest tradition of the American fighting man. In the truest sense, they gave up their lives that we might continue to enjoy the fruits of freedom ..."

- Nebraska State Historical Marker

Address: Downtown Mall Area

Niobrara Museum

Included in the displays and items of our interesting past in the museum are:

Collections of items from Niobrara and surrounding area
Documents of the three Niobrara towns' activities
Niobrara, NE Museums

Outdoor Mural

This 140 ft. mural on the north side of the museum building was painted by Keith Knutson of Niobrara and Blane Berg of Verdel. It was funded by the Historical Society and represents approximately 200 years of history from Lewis & Clark days to the

Niobrara, NE Arts

Chief Standing Bear

Ponca Chief Standing Bear merely wanted to fulfill a promise; instead, he became part of one of the West's most famous trials. The Chief's son, like many of his tribe, had taken ill after being forced onto a reservation in Oklahoma. On his deathbed, the son uttered a final wish:

Niobrara, NE Indian Heritage

Pilgrim Congregational Church and Manse

Constructed in 1870-71, this building served as both a chapel and a training school. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Niobrara, NE Historic Churches

National Register Sites in Knox County

Bloomfield - Pospeshil Theater (1906): Elaborate pressed tin ceiling, fanciful woodwork.

- Carnegie Library: Being transformed into a museum. 402-373-4771

Center - Knox County Courthouse (1935

Niobrara, NE National Register

LASR.net Homepage

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Niobrara Museum

Outdoor Mural

Chief Standing Bear

Pilgrim Congregational Church and Manse

National Register Sites in Knox County

Things to do Memorials near Niobrara, NE

Sage Brothers Memorial

Chief Standing Bear Memorial Bridge

Flag Park Memorial

War Memorials