FREMONT NE NORMAL SCHOOL 1915 - The building sustained damage from a fire in 1907, and although it was repaired, the second and third towers were not restored, rendering it inefficient for the growing student population after a couple of years. This fire significantly influenced the decision to seek a new campus. The structure became part of Midland College in 1919 and remained in use until it was razed in 1985.

Fremont, Nebraska's Normal School as it appeared about 1899. The original 1884 building appears in the immediate foreground of the photograph and is marked by the observation tower or pinnacle. An addition, circa 1890, appears to the far right and is designated by a 3rd tower.


Did You Know? Fremont High School Was Founded in 1889
Modern Fremont High School, now home to over 1,700 students, boasts a rich history that began with its first graduation ceremony in 1893. Named after the intrepid frontier explorer General John C. Fremont, the school has consistently pursued educational excellence, reflecting the pioneering spirit of its namesake.
The roots of Fremont High trace back to 1856 when George Finney staked the first claim in the area, which catalyzed growth in the 1870s, aided by the construction of the Union Pacific's main rail line. By the late 1880s, secondary education was firmly established, leading to the graduation of the first class of nine students from Fremont Normal School & Commercial Institute in 1893. Initially housed in a building constructed in 1889 for $23,000 on Eighth Street between Main and D Streets, the school provided formal education but quickly outgrew its capacity as enrollment swelled, with renting of additional facilities became too costly and widespread, necessitating the construction of a new facility located at 130 E 9th Avenue during the early 1900's.
* The original [Fremont Normal school...] building sustained damaged by fire in 1907 and, although it was repaired, it was not suitabley able to house the numerous students who were attending. The fire was also a significant factor in seeking a new campus for obvious reasons. This structure became part of Midland College in 1919 and was in use until it was razed in 1985.
Designed by architect Albert Henry Dyer; a well known architect in Fremont Nebraska for his historical developmental vision for many decades. The new Fremont Senior High and Junior School buildings was constructed between March 18, 1913 and April 8, 1914, officially opening their doors in the fall of 1914. These modern facility's aimed to offer a comprehensive, vocationally-focused curriculum that met the educational demands of an industrializing society. Additionally, the establishment of John C. Fremont Park was added adjacent by part of the Senior High campus—an enhancement that provided green space for recreation and community gatherings, further solidifying the school's presence as a cornerstone of local engagement.
With the Fremont community population growth trends in the late 1940's to early 1950's—the high school campuses at 9th Avenue and Broad Streets continued to expand as well; its capacity for Senior High students increased beyond what was expected.

Plans were set in motion again by 1956, for a brand new senior high school campus just east of town; a few residential homes were building in this area, with the exception of the proposed property under contract by the school's development authority—Designs by Davis & Wilson, Architects of Lincoln, Nebraska, were underway by late 1956. The Fremont Senior High School opened their doors in 1958. In conjunction with this development, the original campus on 9th Avenue was renamed Fremont Junior High School to accommodate junior high school students capacity crunch at the single campus on Broad Street.
Fremont Junior High School's significance is intertwined with its original facility, which had been in operation since 1914 and previously combined both Senior High and Junior High functions. The Lenihan Building and Skywalk were added as an extension to this structure following a bond approval on April 4, 1978, which funded both the Lenihan project and Milliken Park Elementary School. Officially completed in 1975, the Lenihan Building began with groundwork that started around 1973.
The Lenihan Skywalk, which connected the junior high school to adjacent buildings across State Highway 77 (Broad Street), opened in 1979. It provided a safe passage for students, especially for the Class of 1985 , who were the first to transition from elementary to junior high. During the construction of the skywalk, students utilized designated outdoor pathways and the signal-light crosswalk at the Fremont City Auditorium to navigate safely between buildings.
Often referred to by locals as the "Gerbil Run" for its distinctive curved glass top and yellow metal strips, the skywalk was a beloved feature that remained in use for over four decades, shielding students from inclement weather and traffic.
This reconfiguration lasted until 2003, when the school district underwent a significant reorganization of its facilities. The former junior high campus transitioned into the Fremont Public Schools Administration Building on the 9th Avenue campus, reflecting the district's commitment to adapting educational structures to meet community needs.The Broad Street campus was acquired by Metropolitan Community College.
demolition began in March 2024, marking the end of an era for this iconic Fremont landmark. Through its storied history, Fremont High School has not only been a beacon of academic achievement but also a vital part of the Fremont community's identity.