Nebraska City in Otoe County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Stephen F. Nuckolls Residence

Network to Freedom-Site of Escape

— Nebraska Underground Railroad Tour —

Stephen F. Nuckolls Residence Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 11, 2024

1. Stephen F. Nuckolls Residence Marker

Weathering & the Sun have crazed the marker.

Inscription.
In 1854, Stephen F. Nuckolls settled with his wife, Lucinda, and family in Nebraska Territory from Atchison County, Missouri. He built the first brick house in Nebraska City, at this corner of 5th & Main (Central Avenue). Nuckolls, who became a prominent businessman and leader in the community, is credited as founder of the town because he drove in the first stake laying out the community on July 10, 1854.

Nuckolls, originally from Grayson County, Virginia, was listed with five slaves in the 1855 Nebraska territorial census. On November 26, 1858, after some encouragement, two of the slaves, Eliza Grayson and Celia, escaped across the Missouri River to the abolitionist settlement of Civil Bend, Iowa aided by John Williamson, a free black. Despite a $200 reward and Nuckolls' relentless pursuit, the two young women made it safely to Chicago. Eliza's new found freedom was theatened when Nuckolls happened to spot her. His subsequent efforts to recapture her proved unsuccessful as an angry mob of both black and white citizens came to her rescue.

In the aftermath, several of those who had prevented Eliza's recapture were

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

indicted under the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850. Nuckolls also became embroiled in his own court battle stemming from injuries and property loss sustained by Civil Bend residents caused by his violent and destructive search. In 1860, all of those enslaved by Nuckolls had escaped and he moved west to Colorado Territory. Eventually, his old residence burned down and is now the site of the town's U.S. Post Office.

Erected 2011 by a Grant from the Nelson Family Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Network to Freedom series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 10, 1854.

Location. 40° 40.602′ N, 95° 51.099′ W. Marker is in Nebraska City, Nebraska, in Otoe County. It is on Central Avenue west of South 5th Street, on the right when traveling west. Located in front of the US Post Office. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 508 Central Ave, Nebraska City NE 68410, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Nebraska. It is also in the American

Stephen F. Nuckolls Residence Marker can be seen in front of the Post Office. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 11, 2024

2. Stephen F. Nuckolls Residence Marker can be seen in front of the Post Office.

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 itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fort Kearney Block House (within shouting distance of this marker); Official Oregon Trail Marker (within shouting distance of this marker); Fletcher Neal (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Mary's (approx. ¼ mile away); Nebraska City High School and Junior High School (approx. ¼ mile away); Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall (approx. 0.3 miles away); Nuckolls Square (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mary T. Gardner (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nebraska City.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 391 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 21, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.