Valentine started out a lot rougher than its name. Founded in 1883, the town began as a rowdy, end-of-the-track town on
the Sioux City and Pacifi c Railroad. The name, incidentally, was chosen to honor E.K. Valentine, a Civil War veteran, lawyer
and Nebraska Congressman known as a friend to settlers.
In the early days, the area was home to cattlemen, outlaws and Indians. Legendary horse thief “Doc” Middleton used to hide out
at a place known as Rustler’s Roost southwest of town. Sioux and Pawnee Indians came to hunt buff alo and to summer their horses on the lush Sandhills grass. Clashes between cowboys and Indians led to the founding of Fort Niobrara four miles east of town.

The Cherry County Historical Society Museum, at the corner
of Main Street and Highway 20, has a variety of displays
devoted to early-day cattlemen, Fort Niobrara, Native
Americans, U.S. wars, and daily life of the pioneer era. An
archival library includes historic newspapers and genealogical
records. Th e museum is open Memorial Day through
October 1, Th u-Sat, 1-5 p.m. or by appointment.
(402) 376-2015.

Centennial Hall, at 3rd and Macomb, is the 1897 Valentine
High School, the oldest surviving high school building
in Nebraska. Today it is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places and houses museum exhibits in all 12 rooms.
It is open from the fi rst weekend in May through Labor Day,
Th ursday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. or by appointment.
(402) 376-2418.