January-February 2020 • Nebraskaland 45
Built in the 1880s, the
fourth capitol remained
in use while the present
capitol was built around
it. History Nebraska
RG1234-13-8
The third capitol was completed in Lincoln
in 1868. History Nebraska RG1234-3-1
Omaha newspapers ridiculed the state
government's move to the tiny village of
Lincoln. "Nobody will ever go to Lincoln,
who does not go to the Legislature, the
lunatic asylum, the penitentiary, or some
of the State institutions," said one paper.
Lincoln "is destined for isolation and
ultimate oblivion," said another .
Governor David Butler feared that unless
a new building was ready to receive the
state legislature in January 1869, Omaha
would fi nd a way to remain the capital city.
The new capitol was ready in time, but
it was a rush job and its inferior stone soon
began to crumble.
The fourth capitol was built on the site
of the third. It was bigger but not much better.
Completed in 1888, it soon settled and cracked.
It was in poor shape by the early 20th century.
By the 1920s Nebraska was planning its fi fth
capitol in less than 70 years. Here you can see
the present capitol rising around its predecessor.
This was done to keep the old building open until
part of the new one was complete.
