Patterson Law Office

The Patterson Law Office is located in Central City, Nebraska. It is a false-front building of frame construction built in 1872. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places;[2][3] its historical significance derives from its age, its architectural design, and its association with John Patterson and with author-photographer Wright Morris.

Patterson Law Office
View from the southwest.
Location1517 18th St Central City, Nebraska
Coordinates41°6′51″N 97°59′57″W
Built1872
ArchitectNA
Architectural styleFalse-Front Building, Vernacular Greek Revival
NRHP reference No.79001451[1]
Added to NRHPMarch 13, 1979[2]

History and description

The Patterson Law Office was built in the same year as John Patterson, a native of Ireland, came to Lone Tree (now Central City), Nebraska. Patterson built a law practice in Merrick County housed in this building. He was a well-known trial lawyer and county attorney, played an important role in the development of Central City and Merrick County, and served as county superintendent of schools.[3][4]

The law office is a one-story, false-fronted building with gable roof. It rests on a stone foundation and exhibits Greek Revival elements in the door, window, pilaster and cornice detailing. It has two rooms lined with wainscot paneling.[3]

The building is historically significant for several reasons. It is one of the earliest known false-frame commercial buildings in Nebraska predating the majority of 19th century commercial buildings in Nebraska by nearly 20 years. It is associated with a significant figure, John Patterson, in the development of Central City and Merrick County.[3][4] It also has relationships to Wright Morris appearing in his literary works.[5]

See also

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. "Nebraska National Register Sites in Merrick County". Nebraska State Historical Society. Retrieved 2012-12-30.
  3. "Nebraska National Register Sites: Patterson Law Office Registration Form" (PDF).
  4. Kay, John, Lonnie Dickson, Robert Kay, and Kathleen Fimple (1992). "Nebraska Historic Buildings Survey Reconnaissance Survey Final Report of Merrick County, Nebraska" (PDF). Nebraska State Historical Society: State Historic Preservation Office.
  5. "The Patterson Law Office".
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