Nickerson in Dodge County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Dodge County Poor Farm
1872-1944
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 15, 2025
1. Dodge County Poor Farm Marker
In 1872 Dodge County purchased 160 acres at this site to provide relief for the needy. In 1884 a residence was added for those receiving aid; by 1888 the farm comprised 245 acres. Paid stewards oversaw its operation. After 1935, federal and state old-age insurance (Social Security) reduced the need for county assistance to the indigent. The last of the more than 400 residents the poor farm served died in 1944. The farm was rented out in 1945 and sold in 1955.
Erected 2014 by The Grateful Residents and Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 157.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Charity & Public Work. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.
Location. 41° 30.033′ N, 96° 28.991′ W. Marker is in Nickerson, Nebraska, in Dodge County. It is on North Yager Road (County Road 23) just south of Rosedale Road, on the right when traveling south. The marker is located on the east side of the subject property. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Nebraska and in Greater Omaha. It is also in the American Midwest, 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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Old Indian Trail (approx. Ύ mile away); Mormon Pioneer Trail (approx. 4½ miles away); Hotel Pathfinder (approx. 4.6 miles away); Union Depot (approx. 4.7 miles away); Fremont's First City-Owned Parking Lot (approx. 4.7 miles away); Fremont, Nebraska (approx. 4.7 miles away); Dodge County Veterans Memorial (approx. 4.7 miles away); The Great Platte River Route West (approx. 5.6 miles away).
Another marker is no longer nearby. Overland Emigrant Trails (was approx. 4½ miles away but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . .
1. County Poor Farm, Dodge County, Nebraska (NebraskaGenealogy.com).
Excerpt:(Submitted on November 7, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)As the county settled up with a mixed population the poor classes came in as well as those in better circumstances, and by 1884 it was decided to not try to care for the paupers of Dodge County by township appropriations, etc., but the commissioners purchased a Poor Farm in Nickerson civil township. The place mentioned had been leased by the county several years before that date and partly sustained the pauper element in the county. In 1887 the total number of paupers of this county was eighteen.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 15, 20252. Dodge County Poor Farm MarkerLooking west from North Yager Road (County Road 23). Today the Old Poor Farm is operating as an animal sanctuary.
A report made April 15, 1920, shows the following concerning the Poor Farm and its belongings: The invoice shows 44 head of cattle, valued at $2,405; 16 hogs, valued at $595; 10 horses, valued at $1,125; 4 harness, valued at $120; 9 tons of hay, valued at $32; oats and corn, valued at $774; hogs slaughtered, valued at $315; merchandise on hand, valued at $25; miscellaneous, valued at $123; machinery, valued at $1,017. The disbursements for the Poor Farm for the last year were: Dry goods, etc., $214; coal and oil, $664; hardware. $111; groceries, $929; lumber, $109; labor and hauling, $380; veterinary, $241; repairs, $248; livestock, $256; corn and hay, etc., $2,390; meats. $56; ice used. $12; windmill, $212; drugs. $35; harness, $43; salary Steward, $1,400. The total disbursements over the receipts of the farm were $3,547.23.
2. Welcome to the Old Poor Farm!.
Excerpt: We have been located in the Elkhorn River Valley, Dodge County, Nebraska since 1872; although much has changed since then! Once home over the years to 400 people in need, the Farm now offers shelter to animals not deemed 'adoptable' by most standards while continuing to educate about its rich past. We are a non-profit 501(3)C no-kill animal sanctuary caring for 'special' creatures with disabilities due to neglect or abuse. This organization operates solely on the donations of compassionate people who understand that all life is precious.(Submitted on November 7, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 77 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 7, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
