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

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Map of Nebraska highlighting Colfax County
Location of Colfax County in Nebraska

Have you ever wondered about the old buildings and special places in your town or county? Some of these places are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list in the United States that recognizes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.

In Colfax County, Nebraska, there are 12 places that have been added to this important list. These places help us remember the past and understand how people lived and worked long ago. Let's explore some of these cool historic spots in Colfax County!

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is like a special club for old buildings and places that are really important. It's part of a program by the United States government to protect and celebrate places that tell a story about our country's past. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its historical value. This can help protect it from being torn down or changed too much.

Historic Places in Colfax County

Colfax County has many interesting places that have been recognized for their history. Most of these are in the city of Schuyler, but some are in other towns like Clarkson. Each place has its own unique story to tell.

Colfax County Courthouse

The Colfax County Courthouse is a very important building in Schuyler. It's where many of the county's official decisions are made. This grand building was added to the National Register in 1981. Courthouses often have interesting architecture and represent the center of local government for many years.

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The Colfax County Courthouse in Schuyler, Nebraska.

Oak Ballroom

Imagine a place where people used to gather for dances and big events! The Oak Ballroom in Schuyler is one such place. It was listed in 1983. Ballrooms like this were once very popular spots for community fun, music, and social gatherings. It's a reminder of how people entertained themselves in the past.

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Inside the historic Oak Ballroom.

Schuyler Carnegie Library

Libraries are places of learning and community. The Schuyler Carnegie Library is a beautiful old library building that was added to the list in 2001. Many towns across the United States have "Carnegie Libraries." These libraries were built with money donated by Andrew Carnegie, a very rich businessman who believed in the power of education and wanted everyone to have access to books.

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The Schuyler Carnegie Library building.

US Post Office-Schuyler

The Post Office in Schuyler is not just a place to send mail. It's also a piece of art history! Listed in 1992, this building is special because it has a mural inside called "Wild Horses by Moonlight." This mural was painted in 1940 by Philip von Saltza. It's one of only 12 post offices in Nebraska that have a special mural from that time period. These murals were created to bring art to public buildings and tell stories about American life.

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The US Post Office in Schuyler, known for its mural.

Z.C.B.J. Opera House

In the town of Clarkson, you can find the Z.C.B.J. Opera House. This building, listed in 1988, was once a hub for performances and community events. "Z.C.B.J." stands for a Czech fraternal organization that was important to many Czech immigrants who settled in Nebraska. Opera houses were important cultural centers where people could watch plays, concerts, and other shows.

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The Z.C.B.J. Opera House in Clarkson.

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