Museums

Old Freighters Museum

Nebraska City Historical Society

Resource Guide

Do you know of a freighting company that operated out of Nebraska City? If so, please download the "Known Freighters in Nebraska City" form, fill it out, and mail it to;

Nebraska City Historical Society
P.O. Box 175
Nebraska City, NE 68410

The Mission of the Old Freighters Museum

The Old Freighters Museum has been established to interpret the significance of freighting and emigration on the trail passing though or near Nebraska City during the years 1846 through 1870, as well as the city's role in this westward movement.

Hours of Admission:

Summer - Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Arbor Day through October

Winter - by appointment only
Call Susan Quinn 402-873-6188
or
Larry Falk 402-873-9360

This three-story wood-frame building was built in 1858 by the U.S. Government for use as a residence for Major James G. Martin, Quartermaster. After nine months, Martin was transferred. In 1859 the building was sold to the freighting company of Russell, Majors and Waddell. The company had been awarded a government contract to convey five thousand tons of government supplies overland to military outposts in the western reaches of the land. Along with this building Russell, Majors and Waddell purchased 138 lots in the Prairie City Addition of Nebraska City for the freighting company.