On State Highway 2 5.6 miles west of State Highway 11, on the right when traveling west.
Solon H. Borglum (1868-1922), son of Danish Mormon emigrants, was a world-famous sculptor. From 1885 until 1893, Solon ran his father’s cattle ranch located in the South Loup Valley just east of this marker. The Borglums moved from Utah to Omaha . . . — — Map (db m183294) HM
On South Alda Road at West Platte River Drive (County Route 9), on the left when traveling north on South Alda Road.
Nathaniel Martin, age 15, and Robert O. Martin, age 12, while fleeing from a war party of Sioux Indians were struck by two Indian arrows, one of which pinned the two boys together. They fell from their horse and were left for dead, but survived. . . . — — Map (db m30408) HM
On West Platte River Drive / West Pine Street (County Route 11) 0.2 miles west of South Hilltop Road (County Route 16), on the left when traveling west.
On July 24, 1867 Mrs. Thurston Warren was murdered by Sioux Indians as she stood in the doorway of her log cabin home located one-half mile north of this spot.
When found her baby Thomas was still clasped in his mother's arms. Another son was . . . — — Map (db m288855) HM
The men and women of the 6th Bomb Group Association thank the people of Grand Island for their warm hospitality when we trained here in 1944/1945 before leaving for the Pacific Theatre of War to fly 1,750 World War II B-29 combat missions over . . . — — Map (db m59854) HM
On Capital Avenue near Webb Road, on the right when traveling west.
In memory of the
Heroes of 1861-65
who lie in unknown graves
on Southern battle fields.
Sleep on brave boys though
your graves are unmarked
You are not forgotten
Dedicated May 30, 1908 — — Map (db m53256) HM
On Saint Paul Road 0.5 miles north of East White Cloud Road (County Road 41), on the right when traveling north.
On February 25, 1944, a B-17G bomber from the Grand Island Army Air Field crashed half a mile east of here on the Langenheder farm, killing nine aboard. The Grand Island base served as a training location for aircrews prior to their leaving for . . . — — Map (db m181684) HM WM
Near Sky Park Road 0.6 miles north of East Airport Road, on the right when traveling north.
B-29 Superfortress Purpose: Very Heavy Bomber (increased speed, range, and bomb load) Features included pressurized cabin, electronic fire control system, remote-controlled gun turrets. Manufacturer: Boeing First Flown: September . . . — — Map (db m181656) HM
Near Sky Park Road 0.6 miles north of East Airport Road, on the right when traveling north.
The first Grand Island airport, a grass field, was located approximately 1˝ miles south of the present terminal building on land owned by H. O. “Doc” Woodward. It was used by the Grand Island Aero Company, organized in 1919 by former World War I . . . — — Map (db m181602) HM
On Locust Street near 1st Street (U.S. 30), on the left when traveling south.
In memory of the
defenders of our country
1861-1865 — 1898-1900
Committee of Lyon Post No. 11
Nebr. G.A.R.
G. C. Humphrey
C. B. Norris
G. F. Ryan — — Map (db m53249) HM
Beneath the earthen exterior is an intricate structure of Cottonwood tree trunks and Willow branches. This is a moderate-sized earth lodge—thirty eight feet in diameter and eighteen feet high at the central fire hole.
Responsible for the . . . — — Map (db m45188) HM
On 2nd Street (U.S. 30) at Locust Street, on the left when traveling west on 2nd Street.
Originally designed as a U.S. Post Office and Court House, the Grand Island Federal Building opened on November 26, 1910. It was designed by James Knox Taylor and cost $108,000. The 1935 west-wing addition was designed by local architect, Charles . . . — — Map (db m53250) HM
On Interstate 80 near the Grand Island Eastbound Rest Area, on the right when traveling east.
You are near the Platte River's famous Grand Island. It is approximately forty miles in length and two miles at its widest. Providing abundant wood and water, it often served as a campsite for Pawnee Indians. Journalists for the expeditions of . . . — — Map (db m228357) HM
On Interstate 80 at milepost 316.5, on the right when traveling west.
You are near the Platte River's famous Grand Island. It is approximately forty miles in length and two miles at its widest. Providing abundant wood and water, it often served as a campsite for Pawnee Indians. Journalists for the expeditions of . . . — — Map (db m79694) HM
On 1st Street (U.S. 30) at Cleburn Street, on the left when traveling east on 1st Street.
Grand Island Public School. Erected 1878.
I proclaim unceasing warfare against
ignorance, fanaticism and intolerance.
School Board, 1879
O A Abbott, Moderator
W H Platt, Director
H A Koenig, Treasurer
T J Hurford · C E Lykke · R C . . . — — Map (db m155063) HM
Near West Capital Avenue just west of Taylor Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
First known as the Nebraska Soldiers and Sailors Home, the Grand Island Veterans Home was opened in 1887. The first home was a four-story Victorian building situated on 640 acres. The building soon became inadequate to house the veterans. Between . . . — — Map (db m181697) HM
On 1st Street (U.S. 30) at Locust Street, on the left when traveling west on 1st Street.
Designed by Omaha architect Thomas Rogers Kimball (1862-1934), the Hall County Courthouse is an exceptional example of Beaux-Arts classicism and borrows on Germanic design sources. Constructed of brick accented with limestone, the building features . . . — — Map (db m53239) HM
Near American Legion Memorial Highway (U.S. 281) at West Abbott Road (County Road 39), on the right when traveling south.
In 1879 Hall County purchased 160 acres at this location where the county’s paupers could live and work in exchange for shelter, clothing, food, and medical care. In March 1881 part of the Poor Farm property was set aside as a cemetery for those who . . . — — Map (db m181695) HM
Grand Island, in the Platte River, has given its name to the city of Grand Island. The island was formed by a narrow channel branching off the Platte River approximately 28 miles upstream from the present city of Grand Island and rejoining the main . . . — — Map (db m53258) HM
On Walnut Street at 3rd Street, on the right when traveling north on Walnut Street.
The Martin building was designed for J.D. Martin by local architect, Oscar Kirschke. The building was completed in 1914 for approximately $55,000. One of the first occupants was the funeral chapel and morgue of the Buchheit-O'Loughlin Furniture and . . . — — Map (db m53255) HM
Religious freedom, An American ideal, has on occasion been denied certain sects because of prejudice. Mormons were once persecuted and forced from their homes. The north bank of the Platte River served as the exodus route for thousands of members . . . — — Map (db m45171) HM
On 1st Street (U.S. 30) at Walnut Street, on the right when traveling east on 1st Street.
Old Dodge School served as one of two branch camps in Hall County housing German prisoners of war. On July 9, 1944, Leo B. Stuhr, president of the county Non-Stock Labor Association, announced plans to use the school for this purpose. About one . . . — — Map (db m53254) HM
This building is the authorized public school house built in District No1 Hall County Nebr. Authorized & constructed in 1869 - 1870. — — Map (db m53263) HM
Wilhelm Stolley
April 6, 1831 - May 17, 1911
Wilhelmine F. Hagge Stolley
April 21, 1837 - Jan. 31, 1923
Born in Schleswig Holstein, Germany
Friederich, March 26, 1857 - Sept. 25, 1938
Anna H., June 123, 1859 - Apr. 15, 1929
Born in . . . — — Map (db m53264) HM
On West 2nd Street at Cleburn St. on West 2nd Street.
Pioneer Park, site of the first Hall County courthouse, honors the courageous settlers who peacefully inhabited this area in 1857 when only Pawnee lived here. In 1866 the Union Pacific reached Grad Island and in 1868 the railroad donated Block 19 . . . — — Map (db m45189) HM
On Bosselman Avenue at Wood River Road, on the right when traveling south on Bosselman Avenue.
This horse drawn tank wagon was used by Sinclair Oil beginning in 1917. The tank had an amazing 300 gallons of fuel or gasoline that was delivered to farmers and homesteads for numerous uses. In comparison, today's transport trucks hold 7,000 to . . . — — Map (db m53267) HM
Near East Swift Road 0.2 miles west of Museum Drive, on the right when traveling west.
The following settlers arrived here July 4, 1857
R.C. Barnard
Lorenz Barnard
Joshua Smith
David P. Morgan
William Seymour
Heinrich Schoel & Wife
Heinrich Joehnck & Wife
Wilhelm Stier & Wife
Friedrich Doll & Wife
Christian . . . — — Map (db m190217) HM
On West 2nd Street near West 2nd Street and West Elm Street.
The Lincoln Highway association, formed in 1913 to build a New York to San Francisco highway, sold “highway memberships” to raise funds for the project. In Nebraska the road, which traversed twelve states, extended westward from Iowa . . . — — Map (db m45203) HM
On Interstate 80 at milepost 316.5, on the right when traveling west.
From 1847 to the 1860s, the Mormon migration along the Great Platte River Road marked a distinctive chapter in the history of westward expansion. In contrast to the random migrations of individual families or companies that characterized much of . . . — — Map (db m79695) HM
The Pawnee: Prairie Town Builders, Pawnee History
The Pawnee migrated from the Southwest and lived in the Platte and Loup Village areas for more than seven centuries.
The Pawnee were the most influential and populous of the native peoples of . . . — — Map (db m45187) HM
On Interstate 80 at milepost 316.5, on the right when traveling west.
The Purple Heart medal was originated by General George Washington on August 7, 1782 for distinguished valor and is now awarded only to members of the armed forces of the United States who have been wounded in combat against an armed . . . — — Map (db m79693) HM WM
Here is a section of an original Seedling Mile on the Lincoln Highway. It was completed November 3, 1915. Grand Island was the second city in the United States to build such an example of concrete roadway. The original Seedling Mile extended from . . . — — Map (db m53234) HM
On Locust Street at 2nd Street (U.S. 30), on the right when traveling north on Locust Street.
This building has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places of the United States Department of the Interior. Orginally constructed to be part of the American Hotel chain for the Bankers Realty Investment Company of Omaha, the . . . — — Map (db m53251) HM
On West Husker Highway 0.9 miles west of State Highway 11, on the left when traveling west.
On August 17, 1943, a B-17F bomber from Kearney, Nebraska, Army Air Field crashed 300 yards south, killing all aboard. The plane was on a routine training flight before going overseas. Losing their lives were 2nd Lt. Sylvester J. Diebold, Benton, . . . — — Map (db m182051) HM
On West Old Potash Highway 0.2 miles west of North 90th Road, on the right when traveling west.
Commonly known as the Cornhusker Ordnance Plant, the facility opened in 1942 and covered nearly 20 square miles. During World War II it produced artillery shells and various bombs weighing up to 2,000 pounds apiece. An explosion on May 26, 1945, . . . — — Map (db m181700) HM
On U.S. 30, on the right when traveling west on U.S. 30.
Between 1844 and 1866 thousands of emigrants, gold seekers, and Mormons moved west through the Platte Valley. The first settlers along Wood River 1858-60 operated road ranches to serve travelers. They included Patrick, Richard, and Anthony Moore; . . . — — Map (db m45282) HM
On West 9th Street, on the right when traveling west.
This memorial is presented in honor of the men and women, past, present and future, of the Armed Forces of the United States of America in remembrance of their efforts and sacrifices to preserve our freedom.
We thank, also, our many friends and . . . — — Map (db m45204) HM
On 12th Street north of L Street, on the right when traveling north.
[Monument center panels]
Hamilton County's
Memorial to The
Union Soldier.
1861 - 1865.
————————
2,350,000
Volunteers.
360,000
died that their
country might live. . . . — — Map (db m79857) WM
On 12th Street north of L Street, on the right when traveling north.
To The Unknown Dead.
1861 - 1865
He sank faint and hungry
among famished brave,
And they laid him
sad and lonely within
his nameless grave.
No stone marks the sod o'er
the lad so brave and true;
In his lonely grave he sleeps
in . . . — — Map (db m79865) WM
On 12th Street north of L Street, on the right when traveling north.
A similar marble shaft was erected and dedicated on May 5th 1880 at the Hamilton County Courthouse. In 1894 a fire destroyed the original courthouse. During demolition the marble shaft was crushed by falling debris. After 117 years, invisible . . . — — Map (db m79855) HM
Near Q Street (US HWY 34) (Alternate Interstate 80) at 12th Street, on the right when traveling west.
During the 1930’s, Nebraska suffered one of the most serious droughts in its recorded history. In all parts of Nebraska rainfall was far below normal. In 1936, corn yielded only 1/10 as much per acre as it had during the years 1923-1932. The dry . . . — — Map (db m206748) HM
Near 12th Street just south of M Street, on the right when traveling north.
The early county surveyors would set their compasses over this point to determine the magnetic declination, which is the difference between True North and Magnetic North. Established June 19, 1911 by the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey, . . . — — Map (db m206750) HM
Near 16th Street (State Highway 14) just north of US Highway 34 (Alternate Interstate 80), on the left when traveling north.
CO. H, 5th Nebr. N. G. 134th Inft. mobilized here July 15, 1917 — Sept. 14, 1917 for service in The World War ———— Presented by Womans Relief Corps Aurora Chamber of Commerce — — Map (db m206751) HM WM
On 12th Street north of L Street, on the right when traveling north.
This building is Hamilton County's third courthouse. The first was built in Orville City, the original county seat, in 1870. After five elections, Aurora was chosen as county seat in 1876. To assure the victory, the town constructed the second . . . — — Map (db m223454) HM
On 12th Street north of L Street, on the right when traveling north.
The People of
Hamilton County
dedicate this memorial
to the men and women
who served our country
[Honor Roll of Veterans]
[not transcribed]
[Roll of Honored Dead]
World War I
Guy Nowlin • Emil G Post • John R Richardson . . . — — Map (db m79847) WM
On Indian Street at 6th Street, on the left when traveling west on Indian Street.
The first homestead claim in Howard County was filed on March 11, 1871. St. Paul was appointed the county seat in May, and retained that title over Dannebrog in a close 1874 election. A wooden courthouse was built in St. Paul in 1877. By June 1912, . . . — — Map (db m181691) HM
On 12th Avenue 0.7 miles west of State Highway 11, on the left when traveling west.
The cemetery was established in 1876, one year after the first settlers of the Czech club “Slovania” arrived in the Warsaw vicinity. The plot was donated by Martin Slobodny. Initially, Sunday worship was held around a large wooden cross in the . . . — — Map (db m181795) HM
On Howard Street 0.1 miles 5th Street, on the left when traveling west.
Mayor 14 years
Expanded the water supply system.
Purchased the power and light plant.
Established the city library.
In 1936, on this site, a fire destroyed the Fleming Lumber and Coal Company and Carpenter Scarbourgh's Tools.
We . . . — — Map (db m76947) HM
On 4th Street, on the right when traveling west on 4th Street.
Grover Cleveland Alexander, the third winningest pitcher in major league baseball history, was born near Elba, Nebraska, on February 26, 1887. After pitching for local and minor league teams, Alexander signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. In 1911, . . . — — Map (db m104682) HM
On 16th Street (Lincoln Highway) (U.S. 30) east of 16th Avenue, on the left when traveling east.
Dedicated to the memory of all those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 with special recognition to 1973 Central City High School Alumni Monte McCullough Hord who died on the 104th floor of the World Trade Centers . . . — — Map (db m181601) WM
On 28th Street just east of 17th Avenue, on the left when traveling east.
The EC-121 shoot down incident occurred on April 15, 1969 when a U.S. Navy EC-121 reconnaissance plane was shot down by a North Korean Mig-21 aircraft over the Sea Of Japan. The plane crashed into the ocean 90 nautical miles off the North Korean . . . — — Map (db m271499) HM
On 16th Street (Lincoln Highway) (U.S. 30) at 15th Avenue, on the left when traveling east on 16th Street (Lincoln Highway).
Built in 1906 and remodeled in 1923, this was the home of cattleman Heber Hord until his death in 1949. Hord was the only son of Thomas Benton (T.B.) Hord, who founded a livestock feeding company based in Central City. T.B. Hord began his career . . . — — Map (db m181600) HM
On 28th Street just east of 17th Avenue, on the left when traveling east.
The Heartland Veterans Memorial at Central City was constructed to recognize the five military service branches: provide educational information concerning significant historical conflicts; and to honor all military veterans who served in the past, . . . — — Map (db m270999) HM
On U.S. 30 at 15th Road, on the left when traveling west on U.S. 30.
Lone Tree, a giant, solitary cottonwood, was a noted Platte River landmark as early as 1833. Standing on the north side of the river some three miles southwest of present Central City, the tree was visible at great distance. Several travelers . . . — — Map (db m53229) HM
On U.S. 30 at 15th Road, on the left when traveling west on U.S. 30.
For thousands of Mormons, the great pioneer trail along the north bank of the Platte which paralleled the river about a mile south of here was an avenue of escape from persecution and a roadway to a new life.
Brigham Young led the first mass . . . — — Map (db m53233) HM
On 18th Street east of 16th Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
To honor the
brave men and women
of Merrick County
who honorably served
their country
in war and in peace
(Reverse side)
Armed Forces insignia (top, counterclockwise)
United States Army; United States Coast Guard; United States . . . — — Map (db m251967) WM
On Amity Street at Green Street, on the right when traveling east on Amity Street.
To honor the brave men and women who honorably served their country in war and in peace.
Adams, Wm A. •
Anderson Gilbert •
Anderson, Keith •
Anderson Laverne •
Armstrong, Percy •
Baird, James •
Beck, Albin •
Beck, Bill •
Beck, Derek . . . — — Map (db m251957) WM
On Valley Street at U.S. 81, on the left when traveling west on Valley Street.
The early settlement of Polk County in 1867 brings us in close touch with the trail of the pioneer. Then from year to year, others came and settlement advanced. These early settlers came by covered wagon, many with ox team. The nearest railroad was . . . — — Map (db m76945) HM
Near Hawkeye Street just west of North Main Street, on the right when traveling west.
Nebraska Historic Site Polk County Courthouse Built in 1921-1922 Dedicated October 10, 1922 This property is listed in The National Register of Historic Places Nebraska State Historical Society — — Map (db m188596) HM
On Walnut Street at Oak Street, on the left when traveling north on Walnut Street.
In 1873 Horace A. Cowles, Civil War veteran, set up the Cyclone post office in his home one mile east and one mile south of present-day Shelby. A second post office, Arcade, was established one mile east of town in 1879; a year later it moved to . . . — — Map (db m182095) HM
On Park Road just west of Main Street (U.S. 81), on the left when traveling west.
The site for Stromsburg was selected in 1870 by Lewis Headstrom, member of a townsite company from Galva, Illinois. In 1872 the town was platted and named “Stromsburg,” the last syllable of Headstrom’s name plus “burg,” which in Swedish means . . . — — Map (db m181423) HM
