Saunders County, NE

County in Southeast NE

SAUNDERS COUNTY is named for Alvin Saunders, governor of Nebraska Territory during the tumultuous years of 1861-1867. Born to a Kentucky family that later moved to Illinois, Saunders continued west to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, in 1836 at age nineteen. He went into business, studied the law, and became involved in politics. In 1860 he chaired the Iowa delegation to the Republican national convention and successfully worked for Abraham Lincoln’s nomination for president.

 On March 26, 1861, President Lincoln appointed Saunders as territorial governor, a position he held until Nebraska’s statehood. Saunders was elected to the United States Senate a decade later and served one term.

 He actively promoted the Trans-Mississippi Exposition in Omaha, whose success he proudly witnessed before his death in 1899.

Originally named for John Calhoun, the surveyor general of Kansas and Nebraska, the territorial legislature changed the county’s name to Saunders on January 8, 1862. The first general election of county officers was not held until October 8, 1866.

Governor Alvin Saunders faced issues relating to the Civil War, Indian conflicts on the plains, the organization of the first transcontinental railroad, and the establishment of a new capital.

Sponsors of Saunders County, NE


Since the founding of our communities, organizations, businesses and citizens have stepped forward to build and serve their community. Click on any of the logos below to learn about those who made this website possible! If you would like to learn about becoming a sponsor CLICK HERE!

Towns of Saunders County, NE


The small towns of the Midwest are rich in history and a great way of life! Below you can visit and learn about the small towns we call home! Towns that have their name highlighted have become FEATURED TOWNS. Businesses/organizations from these towns have stepped forward as SPONSORS enabling us to include (or will include as acquired) stories and website links to ALL their community organizations (chambers, groups and departments, etc.), stories and website links to ALL their points of interest, annual festivals/events and stories done about their citizens, veterans and faith community. To learn how to become a featured town CLICK HERE!

Businesses of Saunders County, NE


The businesses of our towns are truly the lifeblood of each community, click on any businesses below to learn about them, to learn how to add your business to your town and county page CLICK HERE!