Papillion in Sarpy County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Popular Papillion Hotels
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 15, 2025
1. Popular Papillion Hotels Marker
The Papillion House
Papillion's second hotel, named the Papillion House, was located at 221 N. Jefferson Street. It was constructed in 1871 by Ole Bergstrom. The hotel switched owners through the years. It hosted many travelers heading west including common folks and dignitaries. With the economy booming in Papillion, an addition was built on in 1881, nearly doubling its original size. The building remains in its location today and serves as a residence.
The Wilcox House
The Wilcox House, located at 243 N. Jefferson Street, was built in 1876 by N. R. Wilcox for approximately $3,000.
It was built in an L shape, with the main portion being two-stories tall and the back portion one-story. It was renamed the Ak-Sar-Ben Hotel in 1899.
Erected by Historic Downtown Papillion Walking Tour. (Marker Number 4.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.
Location. 41° 9.455′ N, 96° 2.49′ W. Marker is in Papillion, Nebraska, in Sarpy County. It is on North Jefferson Street just north of East 2nd Street, on the right
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Nebraska and in Greater Omaha. 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 itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Sautter House (within shouting distance of this marker); Booming Business on Jefferson St. (within shouting distance of this marker); County Seat & Papillion's First Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Booming Businesses in the Early 1900s (within shouting distance of this marker); The History of Portal School (within shouting distance of this marker); Papillion's First Jail & The Sander's Store (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Papillion's History as a Main Railroad Hub (about 400
Courtesy Sarpy County Museum
2. Marker detail: The Wilcox House
Serving as an apartment today, the Wilcox House was built in 1876.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Historic Downtown Papillion Walking Tour
Courtesy Papillion Area Historical Society & Jim Miller
3. Marker detail: The Ak-Sar-Ben Hotel
The Wilcox House was renamed the Ak-Sar-Ben Hotel in 1899.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 15, 2025
4. Popular Papillion Hotels Marker
Looking west; North Jefferson Street crosses in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 49 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 9, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
