![Railroad water tower in Perkins County [RG0802.PH000060-000001]](https://history.nebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/blog-_-img_1887.jpg)
Today’s Throwback Thursday photograph takes us out west to Perkins County, Nebraska. Several men work on a Burlington and Missouri Railroad water tower in about 1910. Two of the men are suspended from the side of the tower by ropes.
Water towers, like this one, were once common sights along railroads. Water stops or water stations were used to replenish water used to power steam engines.
Our members make history happen.
About NSHS
The Nebraska State Historical Society was founded in 1878 by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed NSHS from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Interim Director Cindy Drake. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for NSHS.
Discover the real places and people of our past at these NSHS sites.
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NSHS Education
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NSHS's mission is to collect, preserve, and open our shared history to all Nebraskans.
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Make a cash donation to help us acquire, preserve, and interpret Nebraska’s history. Gifts to the Nebraska State Historical Society help leave a legacy and may help your taxes, too! Support the work of NSHS.
Volunteers are the heroes of NSHS. So much history, so little time! Your work helps us share access to Nebraska’s stories at our museums and sites, the reference room, and online.
