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National Register of Historic Places listings in Antelope County, Nebraska facts for kids

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Map of Nebraska highlighting Antelope County
Location of Antelope County in Nebraska

This article is about the special places in Antelope County, Nebraska that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This register is like a national list of important buildings, sites, and objects that are worth preserving because of their history.

These places tell us about the past and help us understand how people lived long ago. In Antelope County, Nebraska, there are 10 places currently on this list, and one that used to be listed.

What are Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the United States' historic places. It's part of a program to help people find and protect historic sites across the country. When a place is added to this list, it means it's important to the history of the local area, the state, or even the whole country.

These places can be buildings, like old courthouses or homes, or even bridges and other structures. They are chosen because they show us something special about the past, like how people built things, how they lived, or important events that happened there.

Special Places in Antelope County

Antelope County has several interesting places that have been recognized for their historical importance. Let's explore some of these unique sites.

Neligh's Historic Buildings

Many of Antelope County's historic places are found in the city of Neligh. These buildings show us what life was like in the past and how the city grew.

Antelope County Courthouse

Antelope County Courthouse (Nebraska) W roof antelope
The Antelope County Courthouse in Neligh.

The Antelope County Courthouse is a grand building located at 501-511 Main Street in Neligh. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 3, 1980. Courthouses are often important because they are where local government decisions are made and where many historical records are kept. This building has served the people of Antelope County for many years.

Gates College Gymnasium

Gates College Gymnasium from SW
The old Gates College Gymnasium.

The Gates College Gymnasium, found at 509 L Street in Neligh, became a historic listing on April 20, 1981. This building was once part of Gates College, an important educational institution in the area. Gymnasiums are places where students gathered for sports and other activities, and this one holds memories of many young people who studied and played there.

Kester Planing Mill

Kester Planing Mill from SW 1
The Kester Planing Mill in Neligh.

The Kester Planing Mill is located at the southwest corner of 4th and O Streets in Neligh. It was added to the National Register on July 28, 2014. A planing mill is a place where wood is processed and shaped, often for building homes and other structures. This mill played a role in the construction and development of Neligh and the surrounding area.

Maybury-McPherson House

Maybury-McPherson house from SE
The historic Maybury-McPherson House.

The Maybury-McPherson House, at 502 E. 4th Street in Neligh, was listed on March 14, 1996. Historic homes like this one give us a peek into the daily lives of families from the past. They often feature unique architectural styles that were popular when they were built.

Neligh Mill

Neligh Mill from SW bridge 1
The historic Neligh Mill.

The Neligh Mill is a very important historic site located at 111 W. 2nd Street in Neligh. It was one of the earliest places in Antelope County to be listed on the National Register, back on October 15, 1969. This mill was a busy place where grain was processed into flour, which was a vital part of life for early settlers. It also includes mill elevators and other parts of the property that were added to its historic listing later.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church

St Peter Episcopal Church (Neligh, Nebraska) from W
St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Neligh.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church, found at 411 L Street in Neligh, was added to the National Register on December 3, 1980. Churches are often central to a community's history, serving as places of worship, gathering, and support for many years. This church's architecture and long history make it a significant landmark.

Historic Bridges

Besides buildings, Antelope County also has several historic bridges that are important parts of its past. These bridges helped people travel and connect different parts of the county.

Elkhorn River Bridge

Old Elkhorn River bridge at 519 Av from W 3
The Elkhorn River Bridge near Clearwater.

The Elkhorn River Bridge is located on a township road over the Elkhorn River, about 3 miles east of Clearwater. It was listed on June 29, 1992. This bridge is a great example of the engineering used to build crossings over rivers long ago, helping people and goods move across the landscape.

Neligh Mill Bridge

Neligh Mill Bridge from SW
The Neligh Mill Bridge over the Elkhorn River.

The Neligh Mill Bridge crosses the Elkhorn River on Elm Street in Neligh. It was added to the National Register on June 29, 1992. This bridge is closely connected to the Neligh Mill, likely used to transport goods to and from the mill. It faced challenges from flooding in 2010, but efforts were made to protect it.

Verdigris Creek Bridge

Verdigris Creek Bridge (520 Ave) E truss from NW 3
The Verdigris Creek Bridge.

The Verdigris Creek Bridge is on a township road over Verdigris Creek, about 1.9 miles northeast of Royal. It was listed on June 29, 1992. Like other historic bridges, it represents an important part of the transportation history of Antelope County.

Bridge near Royal (Former Listing)

Crossing on 522 Av N of 868 Rd - W side
The site of the former Bridge near Royal.

There was once another bridge listed on the National Register, located on a township road over an unnamed stream, about 6.8 miles northeast of Royal. This bridge was listed on June 29, 1992. However, it appears this bridge may no longer exist, and its listing status might have changed. Sometimes, if a historic place is no longer there or is changed too much, it can be removed from the National Register.

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