Antelope County Courthouse
501--511 Main St., Neligh, NEThe Antelope County Courthouse symbolizes Neligh's growth and prosperity in the nineteenth century. It is both one of the oldest courthouse buildings still in use and one of about 10 remaining nineteenth-century courthouses in Nebraska.
When Antelope County was organized, the small settlement of Oakdale in the southeastern part of the county was selected as the county seat. In 1873, Neligh was founded in a more central location, and efforts began to move the county seat there. After a bitter struggle, Neligh won out and the county offices moved there in 1883. From 1883 to 1894, the offices were housed in two rented buildings, costing the county $1,000 a year. Several elections were held to pass bond issues for the construction of a courthouse building but were defeated by the vote of outlying precincts, particularly in the Oakdale area. On June 5, 1894, a proposal for a tax levy for the purpose of building a courthouse was finally passed.
The building plans drawn by George E. MacDonald of Lincoln were selected, but later were found to be incomplete, and Fred Thornton of Neligh finished the drawings. J. N. Mills was hired as the contractor with the stipulation that he was to hire county labor for the work. Also, he was to give preference to homework and materials whenever possible. On August 2, construction of the building began. The courthouse was finished at a cost of $15,238 and dedicated on January 11, 1895.
With the completion of the courthouse, the location of the county seat was permanently fixed in Neligh. Neligh became the most important town in the county with the benefit of being the county seat and also having a successful flour
mill.
As county government grew, the courthouse proved inadequate for housing all county offices. By 1900, the sheriff's office and jail were moved into the former Gates College Gymnasium which the county purchased for $800. In 1966, a separate annex building for the county clerk, treasurer, and other offices was built to the north of the courthouse. However, the annex's building and the deteriorated clock tower's removal ensured the continued use of the old courthouse.
Because of necessary replacement, nineteenth-century courthouses have become a relative rarity in Nebraska. Rather than destroy and build new, Antelope County continued to use the original structure. The Antelope County Courthouse represents the progress of its people and was the most impressive building in the county. Today it is an excellent example of the many courthouses built in the nineteenth century that have since been torn down to make way for modern structures.
Local significance of the building:
When Antelope County was organized, the small settlement of Oakdale in the southeastern part of the county was selected as the county seat. In 1873, Neligh was founded in a more central location, and efforts began to move the county seat there. After a bitter struggle, Neligh won out and the county offices moved there in 1883. From 1883 to 1894, the offices were housed in two rented buildings, costing the county $1,000 a year. Several elections were held to pass bond issues for the construction of a courthouse building but were defeated by the vote of outlying precincts, particularly in the Oakdale area. On June 5, 1894, a proposal for a tax levy for the purpose of building a courthouse was finally passed.
The building plans drawn by George E. MacDonald of Lincoln were selected, but later were found to be incomplete, and Fred Thornton of Neligh finished the drawings. J. N. Mills was hired as the contractor with the stipulation that he was to hire county labor for the work. Also, he was to give preference to homework and materials whenever possible. On August 2, construction of the building began. The courthouse was finished at a cost of $15,238 and dedicated on January 11, 1895.
With the completion of the courthouse, the location of the county seat was permanently fixed in Neligh. Neligh became the most important town in the county with the benefit of being the county seat and also having a successful flour
mill.
As county government grew, the courthouse proved inadequate for housing all county offices. By 1900, the sheriff's office and jail were moved into the former Gates College Gymnasium which the county purchased for $800. In 1966, a separate annex building for the county clerk, treasurer, and other offices was built to the north of the courthouse. However, the annex's building and the deteriorated clock tower's removal ensured the continued use of the old courthouse.
Because of necessary replacement, nineteenth-century courthouses have become a relative rarity in Nebraska. Rather than destroy and build new, Antelope County continued to use the original structure. The Antelope County Courthouse represents the progress of its people and was the most impressive building in the county. Today it is an excellent example of the many courthouses built in the nineteenth century that have since been torn down to make way for modern structures.
Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
About National Register Listings
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.
About Antelope County
Antelope County Timeline
Antelope County, located in northeastern Nebraska, has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, such as the Omaha and Ponca, who utilized the fertile land for agriculture and hunting. In the mid-1800s, European settlers began to populate the region, attracted by the promise of abundant farmland.
The county was officially established in 1871 and named after the plentiful antelope herds that once roamed the area. The arrival of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad in the late 1800s played a significant role in the county's development, as it brought new settlers and facilitated the transportation of goods and resources.
Agriculture has always been a vital part of Antelope County's economy. In the early years, settlers primarily engaged in mixed farming, raising livestock and growing crops such as corn, wheat, and oats. The implementation of new farming technologies and practices in the 20th century led to increased productivity and diversified agricultural activities.
Throughout its history, Antelope County has faced challenges such as droughts, economic downturns, and natural disasters. However, the resilience and determination of its residents have allowed the county to overcome these obstacles and thrive. Today, Antelope County continues to be a predominantly agricultural community, with a strong emphasis on livestock production, crop farming, and agribusiness.
The county was officially established in 1871 and named after the plentiful antelope herds that once roamed the area. The arrival of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad in the late 1800s played a significant role in the county's development, as it brought new settlers and facilitated the transportation of goods and resources.
Agriculture has always been a vital part of Antelope County's economy. In the early years, settlers primarily engaged in mixed farming, raising livestock and growing crops such as corn, wheat, and oats. The implementation of new farming technologies and practices in the 20th century led to increased productivity and diversified agricultural activities.
Throughout its history, Antelope County has faced challenges such as droughts, economic downturns, and natural disasters. However, the resilience and determination of its residents have allowed the county to overcome these obstacles and thrive. Today, Antelope County continues to be a predominantly agricultural community, with a strong emphasis on livestock production, crop farming, and agribusiness.
Antelope County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Antelope County, Nebraska.
- 1855: Antelope County was established as an unorganized territory.
- 1868: The county was officially organized, and Neligh became the county seat.
- 1869: The first courthouse in Antelope County was built in Neligh.
- 1872: Elgin was platted and became a thriving community in the county.
- 1880: The population of Antelope County reached over 6,000 residents.
- 1895: The Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway reached Neligh, stimulating economic growth.
- 1915: The Battle of Verdun monument was dedicated in Riverside Cemetery in honor of veterans.
- 1930s: Antelope County was severely affected by the Great Depression, leading to agricultural decline.
- 1949: The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District was established to manage water resources in the area.
- 1985: A tornado struck the town of Tilden, causing significant damage and loss of life.
- 2010: The population of Antelope County decreased to around 6,500 residents.