Branched Oak Lake was formerly the site of the village of Crounse, Nebraska.[1] Crounse was named in honor of Lorenzo Crounse, a former governor, State Supreme Court Justice, and congressman of Nebraska.[1] Branched Oak Lake was created as part of the Salt Valley Lakes flood control project to prevent Salt Creek from flooding the nearby city of Lincoln.[1] The Crounse school closed in 1962, and most residents moved away by 1966.[1] The area was flooded in 1967 and the project was finished eighteen months later in 1968.[1]
Today a historical marker can be found at Area 6 of the recreation area marking the location of the former village.[1] The marker was donated by several Crounse residents and placed in conjunction with the Nebraska State Historical Society.[1] The text of the historical marker reads:
Crounse was once a small village named for Lorenzo Crounse, Nebraska Supreme Court justice (1867-73), congressman (1873-77) and governor (1893-95). The village had a school (1870-1962), post office (1873-1901), church, general store and creamery. Crounse School was the hub of the community. Classes met in homes until the schoolhouse was built on this site in 1873. Activities included picnics, bazaars, 4-H, and ball games. After the school closed in 1962, memories were all that remained of the community.[1]
Description
Branched Oak State Recreation Area features two beaches for swimming, both modern and primitive campsites, and trails for hikers or equestrians.[2] The park also offers hunting, a shooting range, and an archery range.[2] The marina—located in the northeast part of the lake—offers boat rentals, fuel, concessions, bait, and a restaurant, The Boat House Bar and Grill.[2][3]
