Downtown in 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.
Artesian Well Fountain. . In the 1870’s, a well was drilled in the center of the block located northwesterly of 10th and “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 and “L” Streets.
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. It is in Downtown. 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 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.
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.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 5, 2013
2. Government Square, Lincoln, Nebraska
("image" side of marker faces East O Street)
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 February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 205 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 1, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
