HISTORICAL SITES IN JEFFERSON COUNTY
JEFFERSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
Built in 1891 of hand-cut limestone. Situated on a square in Fairbury’s Commercial Historic District, the building also features ceramic fronted fireplaces in some offices and unique antique furniture in the courtroom Newly renovated statues stand on top of the courthouse on three sides. Open 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. on weekdays 402-729-6818
FAIRBURY CITY MUSEUM
Delve into the past of Jefferson County and take a walk through history by viewing many old-time displays. The City Museum is an exciting educational experience in the history of Fairbury and Jefferson County. Organized thematically, the museum features an exhibit of local fossils from the Cretaceous and the Pleistocene periods, a room of military items dating back to the Civil War. Located at 1128 Elm Street, tours are welcome. Open Saturday and Sunday 1:00-4:00 p.m. Call for tours 402-671-6879 or Ben McBride at 402-300-1318.
ROCK CREEK STATION, STATE HISTORICAL PARK
six miles southeast of Fairbury, 57426 710th Rd.
Rock Creek Station was a stage and Pony Express station established in 1857 that become notorious one fateful day in 1861. On that July afternoon, James Butler Hickok killed David McCanles there and began his bloody career as a gunfighter. Nebraska Park Entry Permit required. Permits available at the Visitor Center. Call for reservations 402-729-5777 or Nebraska Game and Parks reservations online.
ROCK ISLAND DEPOT MUSEUM
A gem in railroad transportation history, Fairbury served as the division headquarters Jefferson County 386for the Rock Island Railroad during its heyday, being the midpoint between Denver and Chicago. Open Saturday & Sunday 1-5 p.m. 402-729-5131. For tours call Phyllis McCown 402-729-5805 or Tom Remmenga 402-729-6634.
STEELE CITY HISTORICAL DISTRICT
Visitors can check out a restored 1880s stone church, a 1900 stone blacksmith museum. Living History Weekends throughout the summer and The Annual Steele City Flea Market/Farm Machinery Show the third weekend in September provides an excellent opportunity to take advantage of great antique finds and the scenery. Call for appointment, 402-729-5131.
DILLER OPERA HOUSE
421 Commercial St., Diller. Built in 1912-13 by Anna Diller, daughter-in-law of Samuel Diller, for who the town was named, the Opera House stands on Diller’s main business street. The three-story brick building was designed in the Second Renaissance Revival style. More information is available by contacting Diller Locker at 402-793-5820.
MCDOWELL'S ROSE CREEK MAUSOLEUM
2 miles south on Hwy 15, 3 miles west on Hwy 8, 1 1/2 miles south on 566 Avenue. McDowell’s Tomb, located south of Rose Creek, shows the work of Fairbury resident Nelson L. McDowell, a wealthy bachelor who spend a decade carving the two-room mausoleum with a hammer and chisel.
FOUR-CORNER SURVEY MARKET
Located on the 6th Principal Meridian and 40th Parallel, this landmark was used in 1856 to legally describe Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota from this point west of the Missouri River. The marker can be reached by taking Highway 8 west to Reynolds, then turning south to Mahaska, KS. From here, it is one mile west and one mile north of Mahaska, KS.
DISTRICT 10 SCHOOL MUSEUM
The grounds of this old country school display monuments to the Oregon Trail, Pony Express, and Mormon Trail. Located a half mile west and one mile southwest of Alexandria State Lakes, northwest of Fairbury. Visitors may contact 402-729-5131 for more information.
GEORGE WINSLOW'S GRAVE
Located about 3 miles north of Fairbury, then west on 716 Road 1 1/2 miles. The gravesite is north of the road, in a pasture. The ruts of the Oregon Trail are still visible there. The grave of George Winslow, the only grave along the entire trail marked with a stone; the burial place of many Mormons who died while camped along the trail.
TRI-COUNTY OREGON TRAIL MONUMENT
This marker is located five miles east and two miles south of Steele City. It gives legend of the Oregon Trail through Washington County Kansas and Gage and Jefferson County Nebraska.
SMITH LIME KILN
A rare glimpse into early masonry manufacture unfolds at the limestone house built in the early 1870s by W.C. Smith, who procured calcined lime for building purposes in a nearby kiln. Located north of Fairbury on River Road, displays in the house depict lime burning and its uses. 402-729-5131.
ENDICOTT CLAY PRODUCTS
Beehive Brick Kilns – Providing both a historical and economic impact to Jefferson County, Endicott Clay Products manufactures and ships bricks around the world. Artists also create brick murals and brick art for customers. Located across the Little Blue River south of Endicott and two miles west. 402-729-3315.