The Michael Witt “Fachwerkbau” near Western was entered into the National Register of Historic Places Jan. 14, 1980, says Marvin F. Kivett, State Historic Preservation Officer.

The “fachwerkbau” or “half-timbered building” was built in 1868 by Michael Witt, who was of German decent, and one of the pioneer settlers along Swan Creek.

The house is significant as a relic of German folk architectural traditions in the state and is, in fact, the only known existent structure of its type in Nebraska.

The National Register is the nation’s list of significant cultural resources relating to the fields of architecture, archaeology and history.