Lincoln in Lancaster County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Artesian Well Fountain

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 5, 2013

1. Artesian Well Fountain Marker

(”text” side of marker faces into Government Square Park)

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In the 1870’s, a well was drilled in the center of the block located northwesterly of 10th & “O” Streets to serve fire cisterns in the area. Water from the 1,000 foot deep artesian well proved to be too salty for the intended use. The Federal Government agreed to open the well for a fountain when the block was acquired in 1873 for a Post Office. This fountain served as the centerpiece for a park that was gradually reduced in area and finally eliminated with phased construction of the Federal Building. The design of Acklie Fountain and Government Square are reminiscent of this earlier park. The wheat and corn maiden faces on the fountain are from the historic Cornhusker Hotel formerly located at 13th & “L” Streets.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.

Location. 40° 48.83′ N, 96° 42.436′ W. Marker is in Lincoln, Nebraska, in Lancaster County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of East O Street (U.S. 34) and North 10th Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is mounted

Government Square, Lincoln, Nebraska image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 5, 2013

2. Government Square, Lincoln, Nebraska

("image" side of marker faces East O Street)

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at eye-level on the wrought iron fence that encloses Government Square Park - a few yards from the subject fountain. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 920 East O Street, Lincoln NE 68508, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. U.S. Post Office and Courthouse (Old City Hall) (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Site of St. Paul Methodist Church (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lincoln's Founding Block (about 700 feet away); Historic Haymarket District (approx. ¼ mile away); Humane Society Fountain (approx. ¼ mile away); County - City Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Nebraska State Historical Society (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mueller Tower at University of Nebraska-Lincoln (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lincoln.

More about this marker. Marker is designed to resemble a giant postcard. The front side (vintage image of Government Square) faces East O Street. The back side (history of the fountain) faces the fountain inside Government Square Park.

Also see . . . Acklie Fountain. "Acklie Fountain" was a gift in honor of Duane and Phyllis Acklie by their children in 2006. It combines corn maiden faces from the original Cornhusker hotel and some flower-like ornaments from the old City Hall. (Submitted on November 1, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Artesian Well Fountain image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 5, 2013

3. Artesian Well Fountain

(view from marker • former U.S. Post Office/Courthouse/Old City Hall in background)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 5, 2013

4. Artesian Well Fountain

Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 1, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.