The huge cottonwood tree marked its location, which was operated by Mary Hilton from 1860 to 1861.

[7] In 1858, the Nebraska Territorial Legislature established Merrick County and designated "Elvira" as its mythical county seat located under Lone Tree near present day Central City.

[7] Part of its trunk was taken to Lone Tree station (which later became Central City) and placed on the depot platform.

[6] In 1866, the mythical Merrick county seat of Elvira was given an actual location in a town called "Lone Tree," which, in 1875, would be renamed "Central City.

"[3][4][5] Although the original Lone Tree had long disappeared, the people of Merrick county had not forgotten its historical significance.