Benjamin R. Folsom was the founder of Tekamah in 1854. On March 14, 1855, Tekamah became an incorporated city by an act of the first territorial legislature of Nebraska. The manner in which Tekamah was name is quite a story. According to the diary of Colonel B.R. Folsom, who worked with the original townsite company, Tekamah was literally chosen by the luck of the draw. When the decision had been reached to make the location a settlement, a problem arose in naming it. It was agreed that each of the exploration parties should write their favorite name on a slip of paper and drop it into a hat. The first name drawn out would then become the official name of the community. The first name drawn was "Tekamah."

What exactly does Tekamah mean, you ask? An Indian translation defines Tekamah as meaning "big cottonwoods," and this is appropriate due to the large cottonwood trees that grew along the banks of Tekamah creek and were scattered over the territory.Another translation found through research says the name "Teka-mah" comes from the Egyptian or Arabic language and means "bloody battlefield." Researchers claim that centuries ago many tribes of Indians collided with a pale-faced foe in the Tekamah valley. During the years following the settling of the area, documentation was found indicating that many exposed human bones were found.

The Tekamah Carnegie Public Library is one of the few Carnegie libraries in northeast Nebraska on the State Register of Historic Places. Library officials received national historic status as of March 15, 2005. Inclusion in the registers means that the state and the federal officials consider the properties as cultural resources worthy of preservation.

Library Hours:

Mond.: 1-8 P.M.
Tues.: 1-5 P.M.
Wed.: 11 A.M.-8 A.M.
Thurs.: Closed
Fri.: 9 A.M.-5 A.M.
Sat.: 9 A.M.-3 P.M.
Sun.: Closed

Library Phone & Fax:

402-374-2453

Tekamah-Herman High School
Everything you need or want to know about Tekamah
Burt County Plaindealer

Library E-mail:

teklibrary@microlnk.com