Saunders County, NE
For many years, Saunders County had drawn people with its offer of a better life. The Otoe and Pawnee Indians followed the buffalo into this area and settled along its rivers and streams. Before the arrival of settlers, a Pawnee Indian village,
containing 50 or more lodges covering a four-block
area, was located in what is now the southeast part of
Wahoo. In the vicinities of Cedar Bluffs, Leshara, and Yutan there are other historic sites of early Pawnee and Otoe Indian villages.
The earliest settlers were predominantly Czech, German, and Scandinavians whose hard work, determination, and ingenuity turned their dreams into realities. The Ox-Bow Trail traversing across Saunders County is historically marked by one of the twin rocks that the Mormon travelers and other pioneers used as an identifying point along their journey west. In Ashland, built along the Ox-Bow Trail, the Beetison home is still in family ownership since its construction in 1874.
As the railroad came to the area, towns sprang up in the county with business, schools and churches to serve the area's growing needs. The Saunders County Historical Society invites you to relive the rich heritage of Saunders County at the museum in Wahoo, the county seat.
Explore Saunders County
Valparaiso Library
The library occupies the building that originally housed the Oak Creek Valley Bank from 1907 to 1980
Valparaiso, NE LibrariesFirst Congregational Church
The First Congregational Church was organized at Eldred, 12 miles northeast of Wahoo. Rev. Mr. Giddings was the preacher for both Eldred and Wahoo. The organizational meeting was headed by Rev. J.E. Heaton and took place on May 28, 1871. In 1880, a church was erected on the southeast corner of 5
Wahoo, NE Historic ChurchesWahoo 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 RecreationCarnegie Library - NHR
Constructed in 1911 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the library is a good example of the Jacobethan Revival style. It was designed by the architectural firm of Fisher and Lawrie of Omaha. Funding to build the library was provided by Andrew
Ashland, NE Carnegie LibrariesStrategic Air and Space Museum
The new Strategic Air Command (SAC) Museum stands as a tribute to the men and women of SAC who safeguarded liberty around the globe for nearly 50 years. The story of SAC and its people is preserved for future generations within the wall of this extraordinary Museum. The Strategic Air &
Ashland, NE MuseumsSaunders 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 MuseumsDavid Letterman Late Show
Wahoo is the Home Office of the Late Show with David Letterman.
To see Wahoo as part of the Late Show website, look for Wahoo at:
www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow//
Wahoo, NE One Of A KindsMonastery
Valparaiso is the home of the inspiring chapel at the monastery of Carmel of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
While this page is being developed you may view pictures of the monastery at their website listed below.
Valparaiso, NEOak Creek Trailhead
A corridor once used by the Union Pacific Railroad, the Oak Creek Trail is now part of the American Discovery Trail route through Nebraska. The 12
Valparaiso, NE TrailsEarly Churches
Some of the early churches that are serving Valparaiso are:
Mary A. Johnson Episcopal Church was dedicated in 1881.
Church of Christ was dedicated in October, 1883.
The Baptist Church was built and dedicated about 1885 or 1886.
Saints Mary &
Valparaiso, NE Historic ChurchesMormon-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
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