ALEXANDRIA — With the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States approaching, the Douglas County Historical Society educated visitors about how the area celebrated the country's first centennial. "It was a time of excitement and optimism, because that was the year the railroad was supposed to come to Douglas County." The railroad didn't actually end up coming until 1878, but the people of Douglas County didn't know that yet. The flagpole in front of the building was erected in celebration of the nation’s centennial in 1876. Contributed photo / Douglas County Historical SocietyIn the 1876 album, civic buildings are featured — churches, schools, the jail, the bank — as well as businesses and houses.