National Register Listing

St. Michael's Catholic Church Complex

a.k.a. GY06-1

NE of Greeley Ctr., Spalding, NE
Local significance of the building:
European; Exploration/settlement; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

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.

buildings churches religion Roman Catholic denomination
The Nebraska State Capitol building in Lincoln is one of the tallest state capitol buildings in the United States, standing at 400 feet tall.
Nebraska random facts
Greeley County, located in Nebraska, has a rich and varied history dating back to the 1800s. It was initially inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Pawnee and the Otoe-Missouria, who utilized the area's natural resources for their livelihoods.

In the mid-1800s, European settlers began arriving in the region. The county was officially established in 1871 and named after Horace Greeley, a prominent newspaper editor. Greeley County was primarily an agricultural area, with farming and ranching becoming the backbone of its economy. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosted the county's growth and development.

The early 20th century saw Greeley County thriving as new advancements were made in agriculture, irrigation, and transportation. The construction of the Sherman Dam in the 1960s led to further economic growth, as it provided a reliable water supply for irrigation and power generation. This development contributed to the county's thriving agricultural industry.

However, like many rural areas, Greeley County faced challenges in recent years, including population decline and economic setbacks. Despite these obstacles, the community has shown resilience by diversifying its economy, attracting new businesses, and promoting tourism. Today, Greeley County continues to embrace its agricultural heritage while adapting to the changing times, making it a unique and dynamic part of Nebraska's history.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Greeley County, Nebraska.

  • 1857: Greeley County established
  • 1871: Homestead Act leads to increased settlement in the area
  • 1887: First schoolhouse built in Greeley County
  • 1890: Population reaches its peak at over 500 residents
  • 1903: Greeley County Courthouse constructed
  • 1911: The town of Greeley Center becomes the county seat
  • 1920s: Decline in population due to drought and economic hardships
  • 1957: Centennial celebration held for Greeley County
  • 2000: Population reaches all-time low at around 500 residents