Anselmo in Custer County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Anselmo
Anselmo began as a railroad town along the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad. The Burlington needed a stop for water, coal, and switching facilities. It built a depot, and the town itself was platted in November 1886.
A Lincoln Land Company engineer named Anselmo B. Smith located and platted the town. He platted numerous other towns in Nebraska, but it was said that he liked the beauty of this valley so well that he asked to give this town his own name.
Many early residents were railroad employees. Anselmo soon added new businesses and became the trading center for a wide area. With a double decked porch, the City Hotel provided "modern" accommodations for travelers. The first local school opened in 1887, and the local Methodist Church was established that year. St. Anselm's Catholic Church, often referred to as the "Cathedral of the Sandhills," was organized in 1905.
By the 1920s Anselmo had nearly 500 residents, with thriving businesses that included elevators, a roller mill, livery stables, seven doctors and dentists, general mercantile stores, restaurants, barbers, five banks, and two newspapers.
Erected 2021 by In memory of F.C. "Jim" and Ruth Fagan; and History Nebraska. (Marker Number 573.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1886.
Location. 41° 37.105′ N, 99° 51.782′ W. Marker is in Anselmo, Nebraska, in Custer County. Marker is on East Smith Avenue (State Highway 21A Spur) just east of North Dorr Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located beside the Anslemo Veterans Memorial plaza. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Anselmo NE 68813, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. St Anselms Catholic Church & Rectory (approx. ¼ mile away); The Nebraska State Grange (approx. 14.7 miles away).
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . . About Anselmo. Visit Custer County website entry (Submitted on February 24, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 160 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 6, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.