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
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
The first Lutheran services ever conducted in Wahoo were in 1880. They were conducted by Rev. Nels Nordling, pastor of Edensburg church of Malmo and were held in the N.J. Anderson photography gallery. On December 25, 1883 the Swedes organized the present congregation. Lots 4, 5, and 6
Wahoo, NE Historic ChurchesDavid 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 KindsVernon Dean House
Many of the homes in Ashland carry a legacy of their own with some residences dating back over 100 years, and a majority of these are still lived in. One of these historic homes is over 135 years old and is still lived in without much visible change in its exterior appearance. In 1864
Ashland, NE Historic HomesBurlington Depot
The Wahoo Burlington Depot, a two-story wood frame building on the Ashland-to-Schuyler line, was constructed in 1886, several months before the railroad's tracks were completed in 1887. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Wahoo, NE MuseumsFirst 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 ChurchesMonastery
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, NEHistoric Hanson House
This simplified Queen Anne dwelling was built about 1888 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house is the childhood home of Dr. Howard Hanson from 1896-1917
Wahoo, NE National RegisterFirst 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 ChurchesStrategic 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 MuseumsArchie Hightshoe Animal Collection
Nestled among the storefronts of Ashland, Nebraska is Willow Point Gallery, the home of The Archie Hightshoe Big Game Collection, or as local people call it, "Home of the Bear." There, for the delight of all ages, over 30
Ashland, NE Museums