Tecumseh in Johnson County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Tecumseh
Nebraska Historical Marker
Tecumseh, the county seat of Johnson County, was incorporated in 1856. It was first called Frances in honor of the wife of Colonel Richard M. Johnson, for whom the county is named. In 1857 the town was renamed for the famous Shawnee Indian chief, Tecumseh, whom Johnson fought during the War of 1812.
This historic marker is one the original townsite on the old Brownville-Fort Kearny trail. Growth was slow until the mid-1860s when the lucrative freighting traffic along these trails was channeled through the town. Development accelerated after the arrival of the Atchison and Nebraska Railroad in 1872 and was further stimulated ten years later by the extension of the Republican Valley line.
Tecumseh's downtown district has been enrolled on the the National Register of Historic Places and contains several distinguished examples of nineteenth century architectural styles. These include the old jail, built around 1872, and the City Hall and Courthouse, both constructed in 1889. Another noteworthy building, the 1889 Christian Church, is now the headquarters of the Johnson County Historical Society. Tecumseh's distinctive buildings stand as symbols of the community's past.
Erected by Tecumseh Bicentennial Committee and Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 203.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.
Location. 40° 22.073′ N, 96° 11.668′ W. Marker is in Tecumseh, Nebraska, in Johnson County. Marker is at the intersection of Broadway and 4th Street, on the right when traveling east on Broadway. Marker is at the northeast corner of the Johnson County Courthouse grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tecumseh NE 68450, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Johnson County World War Roll of Honor (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Johnson County Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Johnson County World War II Memorial (about 300 feet away); U.S.S. Maine (about 400 feet away); Rural Free Delivery (about 400 feet away); Cook (approx. 9.9 miles away); Convent House Bed & Breakfast (approx. 11.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tecumseh.
Also see . . .
1. City of Tecumseh. Official website homepage (Submitted on October 12, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Tecumseh Architectural District. National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form (Submitted on October 12, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Johnson County Courthouse. National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form (Submitted on October 12, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
4. Tecumseh Opera House. National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form (Submitted on October 12, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 993 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on October 12, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 9, 10, 11. submitted on April 23, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.