History of Tecumseh, Nebraska
City of Tecumseh, Nebraska History
Tecumseh was originally called Frances, and under the latter name was established in 1856. The label of Frances has long been falsely attributed as the name of the wife of Col. Richard M. Johnson, the namesake of Johnson County. Johnson's only marriage was to Julia Chinn, a common-law spouse. Some historians have accepted the possibility that the legislature intended to name the county seat after Francis Burt, the first Governor of the Nebraska Territory. Shortly after being founded, the name was changed to Tecumseh after the Native American Chief said to have been killed by Johnson during the Battle of the Thames. The Nebraska Territorial Legislature established Tecumseh as the county seat in February 1857.
Did you know?
The town was used largely for the setting of the miniseries "Amerika", which depicted life in a small American town after a successful takeover by the Soviet Union. The town served as "Milford", the fictional setting for most of the series.
Historical Tecumseh Photos
West Side of the Square
First Steel Truss Bridge in Nebraska
WWI Engine, War Bond Train
Tecumseh Depot
1917 Football team
The Johnson County Home was the "poor house". It is located just north of the current Johnson County Fair Grounds on the west side of Tecumseh.
Football Team
Family Gathering
Tecumseh 1868
Tecumseh Military Band