Discover the History of Fillmore County
Fillmore County, Nebraska holds over a century of rural heritage, from the landmark 1870s courthouse in Geneva to WWII-era airfields, small-town museums, and a barn quilt trail. This page is a guide for visitors, history buffs, and genealogy researchers wanting to explore the county's landmarks and heritage trails in person.
Historical Landmarks & Architecture
Fillmore County's built history centers on Geneva's courthouse square and a network of roadside historical markers scattered across the county.
Fillmore County Courthouse
The county's iconic courthouse in Geneva, still the seat of local government and a favorite photo stop.
County Historical Markers
There are 12 historical markers scattered across several towns in Fillmore County, Nebraska, highlighting key local events, early settlements, and military history. They detail the county's establishment and heritage, along with notable WWII airfield operations and training aircraft crashes in the area.
Fillmore County Museum
Located in a historic 1886 creamery and former doctor's office, it features a restored doctor's waiting room, a period kitchen, local genealogy and research rooms, and county memorabilia.
Fillmore County Museums
- Fillmore County Museum (Ashby Building) — 601 Sixth Avenue, Fairmont, NE (Highways 6 & 81). Located in a historic 1886 creamery and former doctor's office, it features a restored doctor's waiting room, a period kitchen, local genealogy and research rooms, and county memorabilia. By appointment (Call Linda: 402-366-8029 or Wanda: 402-366-8012 or Janet: 402-366-8816).
- McClellan Drug Store Museum — Sixth Avenue, Fairmont, NE (across from the Fillmore County Museum). Housed in a 1905 drug store building, this site features displays including WWII and Fairmont Army Airfield memorabilia, a soda fountain, a 1905 carriage, a one-room schoolhouse, printing equipment, antique furniture, and collections of over 2,400 pitchers and vintage irons. By appointment only (Call Linda: 402-366-8029 , Wanda: 402-366-8012, Janet: 402-366-8816)
- Strang Museum — South of Main Street (just off Hwy 81), Strang, NE. Housed in the 1889 Hamilton Township Hall moved to the site in 1984, the grounds feature a wooden windmill and the steeple bell from the local United Brethren Church. By appointment only (Call 402-366-4876).
Fillmore County Veterans Memorials
50 Flags Veterans Memorial (Shickley)
Located in Shickley, this site features a central bronze soldier, historical granite tablets, an etched photo wall, and 50 flags hidden within the artwork to honor veterans throughout American history.
Ohiowa Veterans Memorial Monument (Ohiowa)
Located in Ohiowa, this monument features personalized brick walls displaying the names of local veterans alongside sculptures and flagpoles representing every branch of service.
American Freedom Defenders Veterans Memorial (Fairmont)
Located at the corner of Highway 6 and 9th Avenue in Fairmont, this park honors service members past, present, and future with stately features and memorial flags.
Milligan's Veterans Memorial Green Space (Milligan)
Situated in Milligan, this dedicated space features a monument, gazebo, and a painted mural honoring veterans and local historic military events, including three 1943 bomber crashes.
American Freedom Defenders Veterans Memorial (Fairmont)
Located at the corner of Highway 6 and 9th Avenue in Fairmont, this park honors service members past, present, and future with stately features and memorial flags.
Milligan's Veterans Memorial Green Space (Milligan)
Situated in Milligan, this dedicated space features a monument, gazebo, and a painted mural honoring veterans and local historic military events, including three 1943 bomber crashes.
Barn Quilts: Art & Culture Across the County
The Fillmore County Barn Quilt project commemorates our rural heritage with its strong sense of community through the art of quilting. Bright quilt patterns on barns, machine sheds, garages, homes and even in gardens is a new backdrop for art in Fillmore County that showcases the legacy of quilts and their artistic patterns. Following “Quilt Trails” is a wonderful way for people to explore smaller communities and celebrate the place people call home
