This Is The Oldest Building You Can Possibly Visit In Nebraska And Its History Will Fascinate You

Nebraska, like most other states in this region, was settled by European pioneers from east to west, meaning that our oldest settlements are located along the eastern edge of the state. The oldest continuously inhabited town is Bellevue, located just south of Omaha, and the oldest surviving building in the state is located there as well.

By Ammodramus [CC0], from Wikimedia Commons

Known simply as the Log Cabin (or the Bellevue Log Cabin), this modest little structure dates all the way back to the 1830s. It was a pioneer residence that originally sat on lower ground in the Missouri River floodplains. The logs are hand-hewn cottonwood nearly a foot in diameter. The structure is now nearly twice its original size thanks to additions from residents over the years.

By Ammodramus [CC0], from Wikimedia Commons

While the name of the builder and original owner is unknown, we do know that the cabin was a part of the Jacob Astor Fur Trading Post. It was moved to higher ground in 1835 after a cholera outbreak forced people away from the water. The cabin was once again relocated in 1850 to the location in which it now stands.

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By Ammodramus [CC0], from Wikimedia Commons

For a house nearly 200 years old, the little log cabin hasn't passed through very many hands. Several folks temporarily called the cabin home during the 1840s and 1850s. In 1868 it was sold to Mary Kinney, and in 1885 to Josephine Mountain. The Mountain family owned the cabin until the Sarpy County Historical Society bought it in 1954. It was reportedly occupied that entire time.

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Nebraska Historical Society

Restoration efforts have included shoring up the structural integrity of the building, adding a basement, replacing the roof, removing siding that had been placed over the original logs, and replacing rotten logs. It's now said to be in near-original condition, and it's been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1970.

The interior of the home is maintained as it would have looked generations ago, and the Sarpy County Historical Society gives tours by appointment. You can see a video of the cabin, including some interior shots, here.

Read more about the cabin and get contact information to set up a tour on the Sarpy County Museum’s website. When you visit the cabin, take a good look at the hackberry tree out front; it’s said to be one of the largest of its kind in the entire country.

Bellevue is also home to the state’s oldest church – take a look at it and 19 more of Nebraska’s most beautiful churches in this article from the archives.