When the Territorial Capitol basement was a human litter box, 1859

In 1859 members of the legislature used the capitol basement’s dirt floor as a latrine.

By David L. Bristow, Editor

 

What was it like inside Nebraska’s second territorial capitol in the 1850s? Let’s put it this way: the photo makes it look a lot better than it really was.

Construction began in 1857 atop the hill where Central High School now stands. The second floor was still unfinished in 1859, and the first floor was only partly finished. The House of Representatives met in a 22’ x 34’ room intended for the Supreme Court, and the “Council” (equivalent to a Senate) met in similar room intended to be the library.

That year Territorial Secretary J. Sterling Morton wrote various letters complaining about conditions. He demanded a fence to prevent “a large drove of cattle” from grazing near the building, a situation he called “anything but pleasant or agreeable.” Another letter warned that the south exterior wall had “broken loose from the inner walls” and was in danger of collapse.

And there was no privy (outhouse) on the grounds, and no indoor plumbing. Members of the all-male legislature were in the habit of going down to the dirt-floored basement to relieve themselves, “which in warm weather renders the upper part of the building unfit for use, and it has already cost as much or more for cleaning the Basement than it would require to build a privy.”

 

(Posted Feb. 22, 2022)

 

(Photo: History Nebraska RG1234-2-4)


Source:

James C. Olson, J. Sterling Morton. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1942, 82-83.

Become a Member!

Our members make history happen.

Join Now

You May Also Enjoy

Marker Monday: World War II Hero Charles Jackson French

Marker Monday: World War II Hero Charles Jackson French

Omaha’s Shocking Nineteenth-Century Art

Omaha’s Shocking Nineteenth-Century Art

Opening Doors: Film Director Joan Micklin Silver of Omaha

Opening Doors: Film Director Joan Micklin Silver of Omaha

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 Director Daryl Bohac. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for NSHS.

Explore Nebraska

Discover the real places and people of our past at these NSHS sites.

Upcoming Events

View our new and upcoming events to see how you can get involved.

Become a Member

The work we do to discover, preserve, and share Nebraska's history wouldn't be possible without the support of NSHS members.

NSHS Education

Learn more about the educational programs provided at our museums, sites, and online.

Education Digital Learning Resources

Find games, lists, and more to enhance your history education curriculum.

Latest Hall of Fame Inductee

The Nebraska Hall of Fame was established in 1961 to officially recognize prominent Nebraskans.

Listen to our Podcast

Listen to the articles and authors published in the Nebraska History Magazine with our new Nebraska History Podcast!

Nebraska Collections

NSHS's mission is to collect, preserve, and open our shared history to all Nebraskans.

Our YouTube Video Collection

Get a closer look at Nebraska's history through your own eyes, with our extensive video collections.

Additional Research Resources

NSHS's Research and Reference Services help connect you to the material we collect and preserve.

NSHS Services

Digital Resources

Find all of our digital resources, files, videos, and more, all in one easy-to-search page!

Support The Historical Society

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.