Newcastle

Ionia Volcano

Over the years, Ionia Volcano has mystified many. The site has been recorded in journals of explorers, Lewis and Clark, George Catlin and Prince Maxmillian and his artist companion, Carl Bodner.

Lewis and Clark were awed by the smoking bluff. Clark wrote in his journal on August 24, 1804, that it appeared to be on fire. The men inspected the bluff and found it to be very hot. Clark also noted that there were signs of coal and what looked like cobalt.

In 1896, William Huse, a historian, wrote that the Arapahoe Indians, early inhabitants of the area, used the volcano as a sacrifice site during their worship of the fire god. The area was regarded with much superstition and fear.

Later, settlers believed that the bluff was a volcano. Fur traders often noted a dense smoke and fire in the region. And, in 1877, an earthquake in the area convinced many that a volcanic eruption may follow.

Ionia Volcano was located just above the small town, Ionia, that was later lost to the river. The had a saw mill and post office. The post office closed in 1907.

Ponca Tales & Trails, Nebraska Journal Leader, May 2006

Annie's Dig

Annie's Dig is a prehistoric site consisting of 32 Earth Lodges from the Saint Helena phase of Nebraska Earth Lodge culture - 1100 A.D. to 1300 A.D.   The lodges are large square semi-underground houses  and were recorded in the National Register of Historical Places in 1984.  The site is located on 240 acres on the Missouri River Bluff northeast of Newcastle. 

The owner of this archeological dig is Annie.  She has a collection of artifacts on display in her home which is open to the public and free of charge.  Please call Annie in advance at 402-355-2699.