Champion in Chase County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Champion Water-Powered Mill

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2014

1. Champion Water-powered Mill Marker

Inscription. Champion, on the Frenchman River (Creek), is the site of probably the oldest functioning water-powered mill in Nebraska. Preliminary construction on the mill was begun in the fall of 1886. The work was completed and the mill placed in operation by late 1888. The original mill burned in the early 1890’s, but was soon rebuilt. It has remained in use since that time.

The construction of flour mills reflected Chase County’s transition from ranching to farming. Dominated by ranching in its early years, the county saw a heavy influx of farmers after 1885. The construction of mills symbolized the new dominance of farming.

Chase County was formally organized in 1886. Imperial remained the county seat through three elections, although Champion sought support because of its advantageous location on the Frenchman River.

Chase County was named for Champion S. Chase, Nebraska’s first Attorney-General. Originally known as Hamilton, the town of Champion was renamed in honor of the same Champion S. Chase in 1887.

Erected by Chase County Historical Society & Historic Land Mark Council. (Marker Number 43.)

Topics and series.

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.

Location. 40° 28.244′ N, 101° 45.061′ W. Marker is in Champion, Nebraska, in Chase County. It is on Mill Street near 2nd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 382 Mill Street, Champion NE 69023, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

on the prairies,

on the Great Plains,

and specifically on the High Plains.

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 one other marker is within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Chase County War Memorial (approx. 6.6 miles away).

More about this marker. The Champion Water-powered Mill is located near the Mill Pond in the Champion State Recreational Area.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2014

2. Champion Water-powered Mill Marker

Champion Water-powered Mill image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2014

3. Champion Water-powered Mill

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2014

4. Champion Water-powered Mill

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2018. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 908 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 4, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.