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. Stephen's Episcopal Church - NHR
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church is a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture. Board and batten construction adds to its individuality, and the building has undergone only minor alterations since its construction in 1872. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Ashland, 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, NEVernon 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 HomesAshland Stir-Up Celebration
Street Dance * Beer Garden * Carnival * Parade * Car Show * Teen Dance
Ashland Chamber of Commerce will host the Annual Stir-Up Days in July in downtown Ashland. The festival has been a continuous source of fun for over 60
Ashland, NE FestivalsFirst 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 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 KindsNational Bank of Ashland - NHR
The two-story brick and stone commercial building, which was constructed in 1889 in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, was designed by the architectural firm of I. and I. Hodgson, Jr., with offices in Omaha and Portland, Oregon. Between 1889 and 1947
Ashland, NE National RegisterStrategic 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 MuseumsHistoric Driving Tour
Take your own personal tour down beautifully tree-lined streets, graced with lovely older homes and buildings. The Wahoo Chamber and Economic Development has printed a self-guided brochure listing 15
Wahoo, NE ToursFirst 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