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

Location of Custer County in Nebraska

This article is about special places in Custer County, Nebraska that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This register is like a special list of buildings, sites, and objects across the United States that are important to history. When a place is on this list, it means it's worth protecting and remembering for future generations.

In Custer County, Nebraska, there are 14 different places on this important list. These places include old hotels, libraries, courthouses, and even a unique sod house! Knowing about these sites helps us learn about the past and how people lived long ago in Nebraska.

Historic Places in Custer County

Many interesting places in Custer County have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Each one tells a unique story about the area's past.

Arrow Hotel

The Arrow Hotel is located in Broken Bow, Nebraska. It was added to the National Register on September 12, 1985. This old hotel has been an important part of Broken Bow for many years, offering a place for travelers to stay and for locals to gather.

The historic Arrow Hotel in Broken Bow.

Brenizer Library

The Brenizer Library in Merna, Nebraska became a historic site on July 3, 2007. Libraries are often important community centers, and this one has served the people of Merna for a long time.

The Brenizer Library in Merna.

Broken Bow Carnegie Library

Also in Broken Bow, Nebraska, the Broken Bow Carnegie Library was listed on March 5, 1998. Many towns across the U.S. have "Carnegie Libraries" because a wealthy man named Andrew Carnegie helped fund their construction. These libraries were built to give everyone access to books and learning.

The Broken Bow Carnegie Library.

Broken Bow Commercial Square Historic District

The Broken Bow Commercial Square Historic District covers five blocks in downtown Broken Bow, Nebraska. It was added to the register on November 21, 2006. A "historic district" means that a whole area, not just one building, is important because of its history and how it looks. This district shows what a busy downtown area looked like in the past.

A bandstand in the Broken Bow Commercial Square Historic District.

Custer County Courthouse and Jail

The Custer County Courthouse and Jail are found on Courthouse Square in Broken Bow, Nebraska. They were listed on April 19, 1979. Courthouses are where important government decisions are made and where justice is served. This building has seen a lot of history in Custer County.

The Custer County Courthouse.

William R. Dowse House (Sod House)

Near Comstock, Nebraska, you can find the William R. Dowse House, also known as the Dowse Sod House. It was added to the list on December 1, 1986. Sod houses were homes built by early settlers on the prairies using blocks of sod (grass and soil) because wood was scarce. This house is a great example of how pioneers lived.

The historic Dowse Sod House.

Finch Memorial Library

The Finch Memorial Library in Arnold, Nebraska was listed on July 1, 2015. Like other libraries on this list, it's a significant part of its community's history and education.

The Finch Memorial Library in Arnold.

First Custer County Courthouse

The First Custer County Courthouse is located in Callaway, Nebraska. It became a historic site on January 10, 1990. This building was the original place where county government operated, making it a very important historical landmark.

The first Custer County Courthouse.

First National Bank-Steinmeier Building

In Ansley, Nebraska, the First National Bank-Steinmeier Building was listed on August 10, 2011. Old bank buildings often have unique architecture and tell the story of a town's economic growth.

The First National Bank-Steinmeier Building in Ansley.

Stillman P. Groat House

The Stillman P. Groat House is another historic home in Broken Bow, Nebraska, listed on March 24, 2015. Historic homes give us a glimpse into the lives of important people or typical families from the past.

The Stillman P. Groat House.

Benjamin and Mary Kellenbarger House

The Benjamin and Mary Kellenbarger House in Merna, Nebraska was added to the register on July 3, 2007. This house is another example of a historic residence that shows the architectural styles and living conditions of earlier times.

The Benjamin and Mary Kellenbarger House.

Mason City School

The Mason City School in Mason City, Nebraska was listed on March 2, 2006. Old school buildings are important because they represent the history of education and community life in a town.

The Mason City School.

St. Anselm's Catholic Church, Rectory and Parish Hall

The St. Anselm's Catholic Church, Rectory and Parish Hall complex is located near Anselmo, Nebraska on Nebraska Highway 2. It was added to the register on March 12, 2008. This group of buildings shows the history of religious life and community gathering in the area.

St. Anselm's Catholic Church.

Sargent Bridge

The Sargent Bridge crosses the Middle Loup River near Sargent, Nebraska. It was listed on June 29, 1992. Bridges are often important for transportation and engineering history. This bridge helped people travel across the river for many years.

The Sargent Bridge over the Middle Loup River.

Security State Bank Building (Broken Bow, Nebraska)

The Security State Bank Building in Broken Bow, Nebraska was listed on November 30, 1987. This building, like the First National Bank-Steinmeier Building, represents the financial history and development of Broken Bow.

The Security State Bank Building in Broken Bow.

Former Listings

Sometimes, a place that was once on the National Register of Historic Places might be removed. This can happen if the building is changed too much, or if it is no longer standing.

• Haumont House: This house was located near Broken Bow, Nebraska. It was removed from the list on January 4, 1973.
• Wescott, Gibbons & Bragg Store: This store was near Comstock, Nebraska. It was removed from the list on March 14, 2007.