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Wahoo, Nebraska

Wahoo, Nebraska

In 1869 land speculators John, James, and William Lee, H.Dorsey, E.H.Berna, J.J.Hawthorne, and George Miner, purchased this "likely spot" in the hope of developing a town in one of the richest farming regions in the state.

Originally the village was called "Leesville" for its founders, but was soon renamed "Wauhoo." It is thought that word comes from the name of a bush which grew along nearby creeks and was used by the Otoe for medicinal purposes. The "u" was dropped from the spelling, probably by postal authorities when they approved an office on July 15, 1869. It is the only town in the USA by that name.

Wahoo is home to the Late Show with David Letterman and five famous sons: Howard Hanson, 1944 Pulitzer Prize-winning composer; "Wahoo Sam" Crawford, 1957 Baseball Hall of Fame; George Beadle, 1959 Nobel Prize winner in genetics; Clarence Anderson, world famous artist, and Daryl F. Zanuck, internationally known movie producer and co-founder of 20th Century Fox.

For those who like keeping sports statistics, the Wahoo High School Basketball has a 114 game winning streak as of the 2001 season (3rd in the nation).

Location is why the people originally came to Wahoo, but it is the people from this location that now make Wahoo a great town.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Mormon-Ox Bow Trail Marker

The Saunders County Historical Society was the recipient of one of two rocks making up the Twin Rocks marker on the Ox-Bow Trail through the generosity of Don Johnson of Ceresco and Christine Nygren of Ashland.

Wahoo, NE Historic Trails

First United Methodist Church

The religious work done by the circuit riders in the 1860s and early 1870s which included Rev. C.W. Comstock and Rev. M.M. Smith laid the foundation for Methodism in the South Platte Mission, which included all of Saunders County except Ashland. In the spring of 1872

Wahoo, NE Historic Churches

Saunders County Historical Society Museum

Experience Saunders County history through its complex of seven buildings and caboose on 5 acres of land.

The Main Building completed in 1994 and the newer Anderson-Nelson addition house displays and exhibits about Wahoo'

Wahoo, NE Museums

Memorial Torpedo

Displayed on the front lawn of the Saunders County Courthouse is the only submarine memorial in the United States, a World War II torpedo dedicated to the serviceman of the war.

Wahoo, NE Memorials

Wahoo Recreation Areas

The Wahoo Area Recreation Association operates a community recreation center (Civic Center) and senior center and has responsibility for maintaining the municipal outdoor pool and all Wahoo parks and

Wahoo, NE Recreation

Things to do near Wahoo, NE

"Hanging of Elizabeth Taylor and Tom Jones"

Mahoney SP Trail Rides

Other park activities include trail rides, which depart from the John Wayne Riding Stables. Paddleboats are available on Owen...

Recreation

Centenary United Methodist

DeWitt Flour Mills and King Iron Bridge

The DeWitt Four Mills and King Iron Bridge are located the the Big Blue River in Gage County. The mill is a large three-st...