Ionia Volcano

According to historians, when the explorers, Lewis and Clark, were passing by the bluffs near the site of the present town of Newcastle in Dixon County, they noted that one bluff seemed to be on fire. Some time later, fur trappers reported dense smoke and fire in the region.

Although "volcanic" activity was explained to be the simple decomposition of iron pyrite beds, when they came into contact with water, the Ionia Volcano was still viewed with much apprehension by early settlers in the area. In 1878, the Missouri River washed away the base of the bluff and, with it, all appearances of volcanic activity.

Today, there is an historical marker in Pfister Park in Newcastle, directing visitors to the site of the former volcano. Don't expect to see a volcano when you get there, however, the site is now a river bluff. From this location, the visitor can see three states: Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota.

Address: 5 miles north of Newcastle

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

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:

Ponca, NE Indian Heritage

Dixon County Courthouse - NHR

Built about 25 years after Dixon County was established, the Dixon County Courthouse was built in 1883-84 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Dixon County was established in 1858. Several communities competed for the county seat designation, including

Ponca, NE Historic Courthouses

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

Adam's House Museum

The Adam's House was built in 1882 by E.D. Ayers, a druggist in Ponca in the nineteenth century. In 1904, the house was purchased by Sam and Della Adams who had farmed in Silvercreek Township for several years prior to purchasing the house. In 1934

Ponca, NE Museums

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