National Register Listing

Merrill, Moses, Baptist Camp

a.k.a. Broken Arrow Wilderness Area and Camp; NeHBS#NC00-002

NW of Fullerton, Fullerton, NE
Local significance of the district:
Religion; Entertainment/recreation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

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.

Nebraska was originally part of the Louisiana Purchase, which was a vast territory acquired by the United States from France in 1803.
Nebraska random facts
Nance County, located in Nebraska, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Pawnee and Omaha tribes, who lived here for centuries before European explorers arrived. The first recorded European exploration of the area occurred in the early 1800s, when fur traders began to venture into the region.

In 1856, Nance County was established as one of the original counties in Nebraska Territory. It was named after Albinus Nance, who later served as the third governor of Nebraska from 1879 to 1883. The county experienced rapid growth in the late 1800s, with the establishment of towns and settlements such as Fullerton, Belgrade, and Genoa.

The county's agricultural sector played a significant role in its development. The fertile land in Nance County attracted settlers who engaged in farming and livestock raising. The area became known for its wheat production, and several mills were built to process the crops. The construction of railroads in the late 1800s further stimulated economic growth and facilitated transportation of goods.

Over the years, Nance County has also witnessed significant social and political changes. It played a role in the women's suffrage movement, as it was one of the first counties in Nebraska to grant women the right to vote. The county has preserved its historical roots, with several buildings and landmarks that showcase its history. Today, Nance County continues to be an agricultural area, with a mix of small communities, farms, and ranches that celebrate its diverse heritage.

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

  • 1858 - Nance County is established by the Nebraska Territorial Legislature.
  • 1860 - The first settlers, mainly of German and Czechoslovakian descent, arrive in the area.
  • 1867 - The Union Pacific Railroad reaches Nance County, creating opportunities for trade and growth.
  • 1871 - The first schoolhouse is built in Fullerton, the county seat.
  • 1872 - Fullerton is officially incorporated as a village.
  • 1873 - Nance County experiences a population boom, with many new settlers drawn to the fertile farmland.
  • 1882 - The first newspaper, the Fullerton Tribune, is established.
  • 1912 - The Fullerton Dam and Power Plant is completed, providing a reliable source of electricity to the county.
  • 1940s - Nance County sees an increase in industrialization and modernization, with the introduction of new farming techniques and machinery.
  • 1978 - The Nance County Historical Society is formed to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 1999 - The Nance County Historical Society Museum opens in Fullerton, showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to the county's past.