Thank you for visiting Blue Hill’s Historical Mural!

The mural is a form of storytelling that reflect the values, history, and identity of our community. Landmarks and themes resonate with local traditions and foster a sense of pride and unity. It enhances the visual appeal of the business district and attracts visitors contributing to the local economy. The mural is meant to commemorate historical events and preserve local heritage for future generations acting as an archive of the community’s history. The project provides a vibrant welcoming outdoor space for future events leading to a dynamic environment.

Blue Hill Mural Landmarks (Left to Right)

Country Schoolhouse
This schoolhouse represents one of many once spread throughout Webster and Adams Counties, serving children from nearby farms. A teacher is depicted walking up the hill, symbolizing her daily dedication to educating local youth.

Steam Engine & Railroad
The railroad was laid before Blue Hill was officially platted in 1878 and is credited with the town’s very existence. It served as the hub around which the community developed, transporting food, supplies, and passengers.

Old Grade School (1923–2017)
Dedicated in 1923, this iconic building was a cornerstone of Blue Hill’s education system. It remained even after the grade school relocated to the high school. In 2017, it was torn down to make way for a new centrally located aquatic center, replacing the original 1962 pool near the highway.

Blue Hill Fight Song & Local Paper
Next to the grade school is a sign featuring the lyrics of the Blue Hill Fight Song. On the other side, a gentleman sits reading the Blue Hill Leader, a newspaper founded in 1887. In 2024, it merged with the Red Cloud Chief to become the Webster County Sun.

Blue Hill Arrow & Fireworks
The iconic Blue Hill arrow, once located over the highway at the end of Main Street, is shown as it looked in the 1970s. Fireworks surrounding the arrow represent the town’s biggest celebration — the 4th of July. The event features a day-long festival, a downtown parade, and a grand fireworks display at the golf course that draws visitors from across the region.

Grain Elevators
These elevators symbolize the town’s agricultural roots. Now abandoned, they are gradually being dismantled for safety.

Church
This church is modeled after one of Blue Hill’s earliest and reflects the many places of worship that have played a vital role in the town's spiritual life.

Old Standpipe
Once located at the west end of Main Street, this standpipe was erected in 1891 to provide water through newly laid mains. It was replaced in 2001 by the current water tower.

Burlington Northern Depot
Built in 1912, this was the town’s second depot, replacing the original located just south of the current structure. Though still standing, it is in need of repair.

Parade & Patriotic Symbols
Figures such as a fire truck, a woman on horseback, an old car, marching band members, and military officers with flags depict the town's rich tradition of festivals and 4th of July parades.

IGA Grocery Store
This historic brick-arched building began in 1889 and became Barnason’s IGA in 1954 after being purchased by Duane Barnason. It represents the heart of local commerce.

Centennial Celebration (1978)
A man in bib overalls enjoying a beer represents how locals dressed during the town’s centennial in 1978 — styled like settlers from 1878. The event included a downtown fair and a beard-growing contest.  Many taverns and beer parlors have existed since the first one opened in the 1890s.

These landmarks were carefully selected by the Blue Hill Mural Committee to honor the town’s legacy and spirit. We hope you enjoy this visual journey through the history of Blue Hill — a tribute for generations to come.

Hidden Gems were thoughtfully added to the mural to highlight special items, moments, and meanings from the City’s rich history. The committee envisioned these elements as a fun, interactive feature for both residents and visitors to enjoy. Each hidden gem represents a unique aspect of our culture, telling stories and preserving memories that have shaped our community over the years.

Within this mural, you’ll find 13 Hidden Gems — each one telling a unique story about our community’s history, character, and pride. From championship medals to quirky ordinances, these symbols are woven into the art as a fun and interactive tribute to what makes Blue Hill special.

Keep your eyes open… you never know what you’ll find.

 1.      Baseball - A nod to Blue Hill’s love of baseball over generations, this gem celebrates the timeless tradition of summer games, community rivalries, and Friday nights under the lights.

 2.      You Too Will Love Blue Hill book – A beloved slogan from the 1970s, this phrase still captures the heart of our town—welcoming newcomers and celebrating those who’ve called Blue Hill home for generations.

 3.      Bobcat (school mascot) - Proudly representing Blue Hill’s school spirit, the Bobcat mascot stands for strength, pride, and the tight-knit support of students, athletes, and alumni through the decades.

4.      Webster County: Visions of the Past book - This book symbolizes the documented roots of our area, preserving the stories, events, and families that shaped Webster County’s past and present.

5.      All-Sport Medal – This honors the dedication of Blue Hill athletes across all sports—a symbol of teamwork, perseverance, and pride through countless seasons.

6.      Volleyball State Medal (2018) - A proud moment in Blue Hill history, this medal commemorates the volleyball team’s 2018 state championship—an achievement proudly celebrated by the community.

7.      Lady Wearing a Hat Eating an Onion - Quirky and unforgettable, this gem represents a real (and peculiar) Blue Hill ordinance: it was once illegal for a woman in a hat that might “scare a timid person” to eat onions in public. A humorous piece of our legal history!

8.      Heritage of Blue Hill book (1978) - Created for the city’s centennial in 1978, this book captures the stories, people, and milestones that made Blue Hill what it is today—a community rooted in legacy.                             

9.      Bowling Ball - A tribute to the once-thriving local bowling alley, this gem represents a favorite pastime and gathering place that brought generations together for sport and friendship.

 10.  Football State Medal (2008) - This medal commemorates Blue Hill’s 2008 football state championship—a shining moment of athletic excellence and community pride.

 11.  Blue Hill Library Book - A symbol of knowledge and lifelong learning, the library book honors Blue Hill’s commitment to literacy, education, and shared community space over the years.

12.  Golfer - This gem recognizes the Blue Hill Golf Course, founded in 1960. What began as a private course is now a cherished public destination for recreation and connection.

13.   Three Easter Eggs - A playful nod to the annual Easter Egg Hunt, these hidden eggs represent a beloved community tradition run by volunteers who bring joy to local families each spring.

We hope you—and generations to come—enjoy this mural, and all that it teaches and preserves.  May it continue to inspire curiosity, celebrate our heritage, and remind us of the stories that shape Blue Hill.