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Fairbury, Nebraska

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, the courthouse is full of unique furnishings and original fixtures. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district courtroom features oak woodwork and tables and theater chairs with ornate wrought-iron work. There are several ceramic-fronted fireplaces and several marbled-top wash stands that remain original.

The outside of the building is just as impressive. Arthur and Ferdinand Bower, stonecutters from England who settled here, cut the stones for the building by hand. The first offices wereJefferson County Courthouse-Courtroom occupied in 1892. The clock on the tower was not installed until July, 1910. The bell, which weighs 1000 pounds and still tolls every hour, can be heard up to 2 miles away.

The south side of the courthouse is the front of the building and has the word "Jefferson" above the door. The south, east and west sides of the building have statues that depict law, equality and freedom.

The safe, inscribed "Mosler Bahmann sc Co. patented Jan. 2nd 1888, Cincinnati", is decorated with a scenic picture of a harbor in color and a stylized flower design including tulips and butterflies. It is only one of the many unique items the building offers visitors.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

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 Register

Rock 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

Bonham 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 Theatres

Fairbury City Park

Tourists, outdoorsmen and nature lovers have plenty of opportunities to take full advantage of the great outdoors while in Fairbury.

Fairbury has acres and acres and acres of parks.

The City Park, located on the southwest edge of town, is over 42

Fairbury, NE Recreation

Fairbury 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 Museums

Things to do near Fairbury, NE