The Old Freighters Museum has been established to interpret the significance of freighting and emigration on the trail passing though or near Nebraska City during the years 1846 through 1870, as well as the city’s role in this westward movement.

This three-story wood-frame building was built in 1858 by the U.S. Government for use as a residence for Major James G. Martin, Quartermaster. After nine months, Martin was transferred. In 1859 the building was sold to the freighting company of Russell, Majors and Waddell. The company had been awarded a government contract to convey five thousand tons of government supplies overland to military outposts in the western reaches of the land. Along with this building Russell, Majors and Waddell purchased 138 lots in the Prairie City Addition of Nebraska City for the freighting company.