Veering off Highway 74 onto the gravel road directly south of Glenvil, Nebraska, you may begin to experience an aura of peace along the flat wetlands of this river valley.
Spring Ranch is a ghost town in the far southwestern corner of Clay County, Nebraska, as shown on this map from 1912.
Image from Image from mygeneologyhound.com
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The old town hall at Spring Ranch, Neb., is structurally sound. It was built in 1907.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar
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The Chicago Burlington Quincy Railroad and its accompanying train depot, elevator and stockyards are marked on this plat map of “Spring Ranche” from 1908.
Image from “History of Spring Ranch: 1879-1990” by the Spring Ranch Homemakers Extension Club
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Spring Ranch District 3 students Lucille Valentine, Joanne Pavelka and Delores Pavelka were homeward bound in this photo taken in April 1950.
Image from “History of Spring Ranch: 1879-1990” by the Spring Ranch Homemakers Extension Club
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The train depot at Spring Ranch was built at the same time the railroad came through in 1886.
Image courtesy of Lucille Schliep
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The railroad tracks were removed in 1940, leaving the train depot to now stand solo on private property.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar
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In this 1935 photo of the Methodist Church, you can see the main street sidewalk leading into Spring Ranch, Neb. The church stood on the southwest corner of town.
Image from “History of Spring Ranch: 1879-1990” by the Spring Ranch Homemakers Extension Club
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The bank’s vault and foundation can be found on what used to be main street of Spring Ranch, Neb.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar
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A pile of boards and shingles that was once a two-story hotel blends into the wooded surroundings of the Spring Ranch ghost town.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar
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Mick and Liz Shaw often give tours to curious people who come to Spring Ranch looking for the bridge where Elizabeth Taylor and Tom Jones were hung. Here, they stand in front of the original blacksmith shop.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar
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The blacksmith’s drill and its pulley system, as seen above in the rafters, are still in the blacksmith shop at Spring Ranch, Neb.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar
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The five headstones of the Jones family are set apart from the rest of the graves in the Spring Ranch Cemetery.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar
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The Potter’s Field at Spring Ranch has at least 29 unmarked graves.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar
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Mysteries on the Map is a 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 or editor Janelle Atyeo .
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