National Register Listing

First Arthur County Courthouse and Jail

a.k.a. AT01-4,5

Marshall St. between Fir and Elm Sts., Arthur, NE
Local significance of the district:
Exploration/settlement; 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
Nebraska has a rich history of Native American cultures, with several tribes including the Pawnee, Omaha, and Ponca calling the state home.
Nebraska random facts
Arthur County, Nebraska, named after President Chester A. Arthur, is a historic county located in the western part of the state. Founded in 1913, it is one of the youngest counties in Nebraska. The area originally attracted settlers due to its fertile soil, abundant grasslands, and access to water from the Middle Loup River. The establishment of the county brought about an influx of farmers and ranchers who were eager to cultivate the land.

In the early years, the economy of Arthur County relied heavily on agriculture. The settlers primarily engaged in farming and livestock production, mainly raising cattle and sheep. The rich soil of the region allowed for the growth of corn, wheat, and alfalfa, providing a solid foundation for the county's agricultural industry.

Throughout its history, Arthur County faced numerous challenges, including periods of drought, economic downturns, and depopulation. However, the community thrived through persistence and resilience. Over the years, advancements in agricultural technology and irrigation methods assisted the county's farmers in overcoming these difficulties, ensuring the continuation of the region's farming tradition.

Today, Arthur County maintains its agricultural character, with farming and ranching serving as the backbone of the local economy. The county is renowned for its wide-open spaces, scenic beauty, and welcoming community. While maintaining its rural identity, Arthur County also actively embraces modern amenities and developments to ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for its residents.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Arthur County, Nebraska.

  • 1854 - Arthur County is established as part of Cheyenne County.
  • 1876 - The county is named after Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States.
  • 1887 - Arthur County becomes its own separate county.
  • 1890 - The county seat is established in Arthur.
  • 1900 - The population of Arthur County reaches its peak at 758 residents.
  • 1930 - The Great Depression severely affects the county's economy and population declines.
  • 1979 - Arthur House, a historic hotel in Arthur, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1999 - Arthur County becomes the least populous county in the United States with only 444 residents.
  • 2010 - The population of Arthur County drops to just 460 people, its lowest recorded number.