Nebraska is positively brimming with unique attractions, and today's feature destination is no exception. Four mysterious sandstone pillars sit in Pioneers Park in Lincoln, Nebraska, creating an interesting sight that has been fascinating to visitors since the 1970s. But did you know the story behind this unusual park feature? It turns out that these sandstone pillars in Nebraska have quite a history.
The pillars are one of the park's most recognizable and popular features. They're located on the scenic banks of the duck pond and, from afar, look almost like the ruins of an ancient city.
The pillars are a popular spot for photographers, and it's such a scenic location that people even book this area for weddings.
But do you know where these ornate columns come from? We think you'll be fascinated by the Nebraska sandstone pillars' story!
It turns out that they're the last remaining pillars from the original U.S. Treasury building in Washington, D.C. It's said that President Abraham Lincoln stood among the columns when he was reviewing troops during the Civil War from the stairs of the Treasury building.
When the building was erected, architects used sandstone mined from nearby Virginia to create the ornate columns and other beautifully detailed features. Unfortunately, sandstone isn't the most stable building material. By the early 20th century, much of the structure was crumbling.
The decision was made to replace the pillars and other deteriorating elements of the building. Thirty of the sandstone pillars were carefully removed in 1908 and put into outdoor storage, waiting to be repurposed in some way. They were replaced with more durable granite pillars.
Although there were plenty of ideas from the public about how to reuse the pillars, there was no budget to undertake any project incorporating the tall structures. They languished in storage, all but forgotten, until Commissioner of the District Excise Board, Cotter T. Bride, paid to have four of them moved to Lincoln in 1916.
The gift was in honor of Nebraska politician William Jennings Bryan. Sadly, the other 26 pillars simply laid in storage until they were destroyed in 1918 by a construction company to make way for a new building.
The pillars stood at the entrance of Antelope Park in Lincoln from 1916 to 1961 when the land the park was on was sold. They again sat in storage for several years before being moved to Pioneers Park in the mid-1970s. And that's where they've remained, just as stately as ever.
Have you visited Pioneers Park in Lincoln, Nebraska? There's a whole lot more to do there, including eight miles of trails, a bison herd and other wildlife, and some fascinating public art - things that really make one proud of their Nebraska roots. If you're interested in visiting this unique urban park, check out this previous article outlining fun things to do at this lovable Nebraska park.
And, while you're in the area, be sure to explore all that Lincoln has to offer. For a little travel inspiration, watch the incredible drone footage taken of Lincoln, Nebraska:
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