National Register Listing

Sherman County Courthouse

a.k.a. SM04-135

630 O St., Loup City, 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.

politics government architecture law courthouses buildings
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Sherman County, located in central Nebraska, has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Pawnee, who lived off the land and utilized the nearby Platte River for their livelihood. However, the arrival of European settlers drastically changed the landscape and the dynamics of the region.

In the mid-1800s, the area that is now Sherman County began to attract pioneers and homesteaders. The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed individuals to claim a piece of land to cultivate and establish a new life. This led to a significant influx of settlers, primarily from the eastern United States and Europe, who sought to take advantage of the vast, fertile land available in Sherman County.

By the late 1800s, Sherman County had become a thriving agricultural community, with fields of corn, wheat, and other crops dominating the landscape. Farmers utilized the latest farming technologies and techniques to maximize their yields, turning Sherman County into a major producer of agricultural goods. The development of the railroad in the area further facilitated the transportation of goods to markets, boosting economic growth in the county.

Over the years, Sherman County faced numerous challenges, such as droughts and economic downturns. However, the resilient community persevered, adapting to changing times and finding new ways to sustain their livelihoods. Today, Sherman County remains an important agricultural region, with farming and ranching playing a vital role in the local economy. Additionally, the county is home to a close-knit community that prides itself on its rich history and a strong sense of belonging.

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

  • 1857 - Sherman County is established on March 20.
  • 1867 - The county experiences its first settlement by William A. Richardson.
  • 1871 - The first organized school district is established in the county.
  • 1882 - The Union Pacific Railroad reaches the county.
  • 1883 - Loup City becomes the county seat.
  • 1885 - The county courthouse is completed in Loup City.
  • 1887 - Ravenna becomes a village in the county.
  • 1893 - The county experiences a severe drought, causing hardships for residents.
  • 1902 - The town of Ashton is incorporated in the county.
  • 1906 - The town of Hazard is incorporated in the county.
  • 1915 - The town of Rockville is incorporated in the county.
  • 1927 - A new courthouse is built in Loup City.
  • 1955 - Ravenna becomes the county seat, replacing Loup City.
  • 1973 - Sherman County Historical Society is established to preserve the county's history.
  • 2000 - The population of Sherman County is recorded at 3,382.