Saunders County, Nebraska: History
Saunders County was created on January 26, 1856 act of the Nebraska Territorial Legislature, and was organized on October 8, 1867; its boundaries were redefined in 1858. It was originally named Calhoun County after John Calhoun, surveyor general of Kansas and Nebraska. Other sources contend that it was named for John C. Calhoun of South Carolina. In 1862, during the American Civil War, it was renamed after Nebraska territorial governor Alvin Saunders.
The first town in Saunders County was Ashland, then known as Saline Ford. Settlers continuing west from Nebraska City would often follow the Platte River across the state. To do so, they would have to cross the Salt Creek. A limestone-bottomed section of the creek near Ashland offered the safest opportunity. Permanent settlers occupied the area in the 1850s and the town of Ashland was officially formed in 1866.
Ashland served as the county seat of government beginning with the first elections in 1867. A courthouse was constructed in 1870. As Saunders County grew, residents realized they wanted a more centrally located seat of government. A vote was held in 1873 and Wahoo was selected to replace Ashland. The new courthouse was built in 1874. That building served the county until 1904 when a new building was constructed. The 1904 courthouse is still in use as of 2025.