Nothing is really lost until it's forgotten.
Keeping the past alive is our business.
Let the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County help you discover...or remember!
Visit the Biggest “Lazy Susan” Jail Ever Built.
Visit a one-of-a kind 19th Century engineering marvel in which a jailer didn’t have to walk to his prisoners… he could bring them to him, just by turning a hand crank. Despite outcries it was inhuman and being condemned multiple times, this odd place served as the Pottawattamie County Jail for 84 years!
RailsWest Celebrates the Steel Rails.
Nothing impacted the nation more than railroads and Council Bluffs had more of them than just about anybody. RailsWest is home to rail cars visitors can climb aboard as well as displays relating to the many lines that made Council Bluffs one of the largest rail centers in the country.
Curious about Your Family History?
Imagine holding in your hands the very piece of paper your grandparents signed when they got married, or bought their first home. The Frontier Heritage library has the orignal county records and is ready to help you in your quest. The library is the headquarters of the Pottawattamie County Genealogical Society.
The “Doll House” Custom Made for a Miniature Couple.
Jean and Inez Bregant were 45 and 42 inches tall respectively, and in 1910 had a home built to accomodate their stature. The fireplace, chairs, cabinet, light switches, doorknobs, windows and bathtub were scaled to meet their needs. This museum is owned and operated by Preserve Council Bluffs.
History in Victorian Style December 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, the Dodge House will be open for normal tours Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Additional hours include Thursday evenings until 8:00 pm and Sundays, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. |
Memories Meet History on the Historical Society's YouTube Channel...
Council Bluffs’ Historic Haymarket
Remembering Council Bluffs' Drive-in Theater
Council Bluffs: Where the East Ended
Council Bluffs: Nebraska’s 1st Capitol
Council Bluffs’ First High School
Learn on the Go.
Slip your ear buds on and tune in our podcast series, Accidentally Historic. The fifteen to thirty minute features bring you local history experts that you can listen to as you walk, jog, do housework, or just lay back on the couch!
History Online.
Easy-to-read brief overviews of many metro area memorable moments, from the UFO Crash at Big Lake Park to the history of Lake Manawa, Fairmount Park, Crystal Pool, the first Army MASH unit, and the “biggest robbery in the history of the world!"
Curious about ghosts?
There’s no shortage of poltergeists in Pottawattamie County.
Enjoy Photos and Memories on the Society’s Facebook Page.
”Like” and “Follow” the Historical Society’s Facebook page Council Bluffs Revealed for photos and tales from the archives. It’s a great place to share memories and historical tidbits and tales with others.
NEW! Now From the Archives Straight to Your Inbox.
Sign up to receive our bi-weekly Then and Now and Lingering Landmarks features via email. There is no charge.
