National Register Listing

Dixon County Courthouse

a.k.a. DX08-40;See Also:Ponca Historic District

3rd and Iowa Sts., Ponca, NE
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

law courthouses buildings
During World War II, Nebraska was the site of several prisoner-of-war camps, which housed German and Italian soldiers.
Nebraska random facts
Dixon County, Nebraska, is located in the northeastern part of the state. It was established in 1856 and named after an early Native American trader and interpreter, John Dixon. The county's history dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation by various indigenous cultures. The area was later explored by French traders and fur trappers in the 18th century.

The first permanent settlers in Dixon County arrived in the 1850s, attracted by the fertile soil and access to waterways. They established farming communities and small trading posts along the Missouri River. Dixon County played a significant role in the development of the state's agricultural industry, with a focus on livestock and grain production.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Dixon County experienced rapid growth and prosperity. The construction of railroads in the area opened new markets for agricultural products and facilitated the transportation of goods. Towns like Ponca and Wakefield emerged as commercial centers, with businesses, schools, and churches being established.

In the following decades, Dixon County faced challenges such as the Great Depression and the decline of family farms. However, the community persevered and adapted to changing economic conditions. Today, Dixon County thrives as a vibrant rural area, relying on a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The county continues to celebrate its history and heritage through various events and organizations dedicated to preserving its past.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Dixon County, Nebraska.

  • 1856 - Dixon County is established by the Nebraska Territorial Legislature.
  • 1862 - The first post office in Dixon County is established in the town of Ponca.
  • 1874 - The village of Ponca is officially incorporated.
  • 1875 - The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad completes a line through Dixon County.
  • 1880 - The village of Wakefield is founded and becomes the second largest town in the county.
  • 1884 - Dixon County Courthouse is built in Ponca.
  • 1920 - The population of Dixon County reaches its peak at over 10,000 residents.
  • 1949 - Construction of Gavin's Point Dam on the Missouri River begins, creating Lewis and Clark Lake.
  • 1957 - Dixon County Historical Society is established to preserve the county's history.
  • 1984 - Ponca State Park is officially opened to the public.
  • 2010 - The population of Dixon County is recorded at 6,000 residents.
  • 2019 - Dixon County celebrates its 163rd anniversary since establishment.