Humboldt in Richardson County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Humboldt Commercial Historical District
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 2021
1. Humboldt Commercial Historical District Marker
Humboldt was platted in 1868 and the first business on the city square was established in 1869. Town founder O.J. Tinker deeded two acres for a public square in 1871 and Humboldt was incorporated in 1873. The bandstand in the center of the City Square Park was built in 1912 and dedicated to Tinkers memory.
Humboldt reached a peak population of 1,455 in 1930, and the built environment reflects this prosperity through modernization of existing buildings, as well as construction of several new buildings. Brick streets were laid in 1920. The auditorium was constructed as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project in 1942 using concrete and locally quarried limestone. The buildings included in the historic district date from 1877 to 1947.
The city square became the home of the Humboldt Fall Festival in 1921, followed by the Richardson County Fair in 1924. The square played a very important role in the development of Humboldt and continues to be a focal point in the community. The Humboldt Commercial Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
Erected by Nebraska State Historical
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.
Location. 40° 9.818′ N, 95° 56.801′ W. Marker is in Humboldt, Nebraska, in Richardson County. It is at the intersection of 4th Street and East Square, on the left when traveling west on 4th Street. Marker is located near the sidewalk at the northeast corner of Town Square Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Humboldt NE 68376, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Nebraska. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, and on the prairies. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 2021
2. Humboldt Commercial Historical District Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Humboldt, NE. (within shouting distance of this marker); Roll of Honor (within shouting distance of this marker); St John's Catholic Church (approx. 7.8 miles away); Pawnee City (approx. 11 miles away).
Regarding Humboldt Commercial Historical District. National Register of Historic Places #05000999.
Also see . . .
1. Humboldt, Nebraska. City website entry:
By 1879 Humboldt had a population of over 1,200, with a variety of businesses, including mercantile, mills, hotels, lumberyard, manufacturing, lawyers, doctors and even an osteopath. Another early business was Marburger Shoes, which was begun by George F. Marburger in 1879, and is still in business today. The Humboldt Brick Company was established later in 1906. The high quality of the bricks was recognized with an ever-increasing demand. These bricks, stamped Humboldt, Nebraska can be found across the country as many were used by the Burlington Railroad. (Submitted on July 14, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Humboldt Commercial Historical District.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 2021
3. Humboldt Commercial Historical District Marker
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 2021
4. Humboldt Commercial Historic District
I.O.O.F. Hall
I.O.O.F. Hall
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 2021
5. Humboldt Commercial Historic District
Joseph Zulek Dry Goods
Joseph Zulek Dry Goods
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 2021
6. Humboldt Commercial Historic District
Quad County Museum
Quad County Museum
Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 762 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 14, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
