Looking at a map of Dakota County in Nebraska, you can spot familiar towns such as Dakota City, Jackson and Homer. An older map reveals St. John’s City sitting just north of present-day Jackson.
This windmill stands close to the site of the spring of flowing water which, together with the available timber, prompted Father Trecy to select the site for St. John’s City.
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The projected parks and streets for St. John’s City are displayed on this map found in the National Archives, Washington, D.C. This is the plat of St. John’s City in St. Patrick’s Colony, Dakota County, in the Nebraska Territory.
St. John’s City had two graveyards. Only a few headstones are in the first cemetery. Another cemetery had to be started after the burial of a soul “who died unworthily lay buried in consecrated ground.” Headstones are all that remain of St. John’s City.
Mysteries on the Map is a monthly series that highlights a different ghost town and how it contributed to the rich history of Nebraska. Running through the summer months, it pays tribute to the pioneers who endured incredible hardship and paved the way so that we can now enjoy the good life called Nebraska. If you have suggestions or stories to share about a community that no longer exists, contact reporter Kristen Sindelar at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com. Write to the Midwest Messenger at P.O. Box 239, Tekamah, NE 68061, or call editor Janelle Atyeo at 800-888-1380.
Kristen Sindelar
Agriculture Reporter
