LASR.net Homepage




Menu


Clay County Courthouse


category : Historic Courthouses
Clay County Courthouse

The Clay County Courthouse was built in 1918, replacing a brick structure that was built in 1881. The courthouse stands in the center square of downtown Clay Center surrounded by 30 retail businesses and services. Inside you can see the old vault door decortated with an artistic design, a common tradition of the time.


Not everyone was happy when the very center of Clay
County was surveyed and staked out as a town site in the
winter of Courthouse Vault Door1878. There had been a great deal of controversy
over the location of the county seat. While Harvard and
Sutton, both in the northern part of the county, argued the
matter, the citizens in the remainder of the county took steps
to provide what they felt was "the perfect location." In an
election held in 1879, the voters favored the proposition
that the seat of government be moved to the middle of the
16-township county and be given the name "Clay Center."
The election was, of course, contested. But as soon as a
one-story, frame building was completed, the county
records were whisked out of the building in Sutton in the dead-of-night, and brought to the official county seat by horse and
wagon. Thus ended another colorful Nebraska county seat saga.



Come visit us in Clay Center, Nebraska

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Roman L. Hruska Meat Animal Research Center

Scientists at the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) develop new technology in order to increase the efficiency of livestock production and benefit consumers. The MARC was authorized by Congress on June 16, 1964

Clay Center, NE Research Centers

Spring Ranche Cemetery

Unique and Aged stones in Spring Ranche Cemetery.

Spring Ranche Cemetery

Clay Center, NE Cemeteries

Clay Center City Park

The Clay Center City Park is complete with a swimming pool, playground equipment, picnic tables, a sheltered building, a horseshoe-playing area, and modern restrooms. It is perfect setting for reunions, celebrations, and simple family fun.

The park was originally the site of the "

Clay Center, NE Recreation


Clay County Museum

The Clay County Historical Society is proud to welcome you to their fine museum complex which was made a reality in 1980 to exhibit and protect the county's artifacts and archival materials.

Clay Center, NE Museums

Things to do Historic Courthouses near Clay Center, NE