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Ponca, Nebraska

Ponca, Nebraska

The history of Ponca, one of Nebraska's five oldest communities, reads like a western novel. Adam Smith, his wife, and nine other settlers crossed the Missouri into Nebraska in 1856 and camped south of the Aowa Creek, since to the north was "Indian territory." Frank West and a Mr.Carson (uncle to Kit Carson) fearlessly knocked down the warning signs and proceeded to lay out a 24-block town beyond the "safe zone" on the present town site. Named for the Ponca Indians, who laid claim to the land from the Aowa to the Niobrara River, this was the first settlement between Sioux City and Fort Randall.

Over the years the Missouri River moved at will. Eventually the town was no longer "a port." In 1934 the American Legion raised money to purchase 220 acres along the river for a park. Over 2,000 people attended the dedication. The CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) built roads, buildings, two shelter houses, and transplanted 5,400 shrubs and trees. In the years that followed cabins were built and electric lights installed. The ferry boat, docked at the Bigley ravine, made regular trips across the river to South Dakota, carrying cars both ways. A pool was added in 1956 in honor of Ponca's centennial. Ponca State Park, now over 900 acres and ranking with the best in the nation, continues to expand.

Among the frontier-day buildings still standing in Ponca's Historic Downtown District are the opera house, the Commercial Hotel, the print shop, Cook's blacksmith shop, two banks, and some of the oldest homes in the state. It boasts one of the oldest banks and newspapers in Nebraska. Visitors enjoy a walking tour and discover a fascinating history mixed with modern shopping in our friendly, home-town atmosphere.

Ponca currently thrives as part of the Siouxland metropolitan area. Five churches and an excellent K-12 school system make Ponca an attractive community for people, working in the city, who opt for the advantages of small-town living. There is a growing young population as well as significant river recreation and summer housing.

Two major celebrations are held annually -- "Days of '56 Rodeo" the last of June, and Ponca's "Nifty-Fifty's Weekend" and all-school reunion the first of August.

- Information in part by John F.Kingsbury, Bank of Dixon County, Ponca, NE 68770.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

The Ponca Tribe

This has been the homeland of the Ponca Indians since earliest recorded history. In 1866, the Federal government signed the treaty of Fort Laramie, which transferred the land to the Sioux without the permission of the Ponca. Treaties made with the government in 1856

Ponca, NE Indian Heritage

Carnegie Library - NHR

This brick structure, faced on three sides with stone, was constructed in 1913, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the second to last library to be built with funds donated by Andrew Carnegie. It now contains over 7,712 volumes.

Ponca, NE National Register

War Memorials

Union Memorial - "Sacred to the memory of the boys who wore the blue from 1861 - 1865.

Loss of Lives: North, 359,529 -- South, 349,556"

Foreign Wars Memorial - "Soldiers who died overseas - Dixon County"

Ponca, NE Memorials

Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Salem Church - NHR

Built in 1906, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this is one of Nebraska's outstanding examples of Swedish-American Gothic Revival wood church architecture. The building was designed by Swedish architect, Olof Z. Cervin.

Ponca, NE Historic Churches

Historic Downtown Walking Tour

The Ponca Historic District comprises a ten-square-block area that includes the downtown commercial area and a portion of the residential environs. The district contains houses, churches, commercial buildings, and public and

Ponca, NE Tours

Things to do near Ponca, NE

Whitetail Run Golf Course

Course Access: PublicHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: 4 days...

Valley View Golf Club

Course Access: Semi-PrivateHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 1 days...

Lyons City Park and RV Camping

Located on the west end of Lyons, the park has full hookups for campers with showers and toilets; a swimming pool; picnic ...

Bryson's Airboat Tours

Enjoy unique airboat tours on the Platte River with opportunities for wildlife photography, great scenery or relaxation. Priv...