Tilden Cleanup and Restoration

In 1868 Crandell Hopkins was the first to claimed land at this location. Ten years later, nearly 200 settlers from eastern colonies, as well as German and Swiss immigrants, lived in the area. Getting supplies was arduous, over hazardous river crossings and dangerous trails. Mills built in Norfolk, Neligh, and Oakdale helped, but the settlement was still quite isolated. In 1879 this peaceful, unassuming crossroads in the Elkhorn Valley was to become a dream-come-true for the area's settlers. The Sioux City & Pacific Railroad extended its line to Norfolk. There were no plans for a depot where the town now stands. However, a disagreement over bonds erupted and when it was settled, Antelope County was to have a depot near the Madison County line. The citizens seized the opportunity. They built a large depot on the Antelope side of the line (the town's present location), making sure the railroad kept its promise. Everyone was there when the first train arrived. They had dealt with the railroad and county government and had won! They had acquired the vision they sought, and while there was still no sign of the town, its future existence was assured. The town was named "Burnett" for the railroad superintendent. The Madison County side incorporated in 1885, but property in Antelope County was not annexed. Persons committing a crime on one side of the street could cross to the other side and be safe from arrest. By this time, the town was using two names. Burnett was "too similar" to Bennett, a town several years older.  "Tilden." (The good Democrats of the town had not forgiven voters for choosing Ruthaford B. Hayes as president over Sam Tilden.) The "Tilden Citizen," which gives an on-going history of the town, was established in 1893. The town has held close to this number with the population of 953 in 2010. Tilden’s annual celebration, “Prairie Days” which is held the last weekend in July, where the focus on antiques and collectibles continues. The first school was built in 1913, burned down, and was rebuilt in 1922. In 2017, state-of-the-art building was constructed. There are four churches, four parks, and access to the Cowboy Trail which includes Tilden’s spur trail. Among Tilden’s notable citizens is Richie Ashburn, a famous Major League baseball player, which one of the parks is named after.