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
St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church
The first group of Czech settlers to come to the vicinity of Wahoo arrived in August of 1874. These settlers, who were of the Catholic faith, had to travel 15 to 20 miles in order to attend mass. For three years these settlers traveled to Plasi, Fremont or Abie to attend services. Finally in 1877
Wahoo, NE Historic ChurchesFirst 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 ChurchesHistoric 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 RegisterWahoo 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 RecreationEarly 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 ChurchesArchie 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 MuseumsBurlington 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 MuseumsMemorial 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 MemorialsWillow Point Gallery
Visit the Gallery and Museum that people are talking about. Mentioned
Ashland, NE ArtsSaunders 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 KindsFirst Christian Church (DOC)
L.C. Barrow and D. R. Dungan, prominent evangelists of the early 1880's, were instrumental in establishing the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Ashland, Nebraska. This little band of Christians met in different homes or other availbale places until 1884
Ashland, NE Churches