text:
Panama, Nebraska

Panama is a village in Lancaster County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the Lincoln, Nebraska Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 235 at the 2020 census.

History
In 1879, the Panama Cemetery Association was formed and raised funds to dig a well. Panama was originally founded one mile south of its present location but was moved in order to be closer to the railway. In 1888, the village was officially founded on land that was previously owned by Moses J. Mitton, John Forrest, and Gilbert F. Steeves. According to local folk history, the village's original by-laws contained a clause inserted by a descendant of Gilbert F. Steeves, Caroline "Carrie" Steeves, which stated that if the village allowed any business to sell alcohol in the village, the Steeves family would reclaim the land they had deeded to the village. Panama was incorporated as a village in 1904. New by-laws and ordinances were enacted when the village was incorporated and again in 1977, but it is still illegal to sell alcohol in the village. The village was likely named after the Isthmus of Panama, which had gained notoriety at the time due to the United States' involvement in building the Panama Canal.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.28 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 256 people, 90 households, and 66 families residing in the village. The population density was 914.3 PD/sqmi. There were 100 housing units at an average density of 357.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.4% White, 0.8% African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.4% from two or more races.

There were 90 households, of which 41.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.7% were married couples living together, 2.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.7% were non-families. 21.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.84 and the average family size was 3.36.

The median age in the village was 38 years. 32.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.2% were from 25 to 44; 29.3% were from 45 to 64; and 11.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 53.1% male and 46.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 253 people, 97 households, and 77 families residing in the village. The population density was 943.2 PD/sqmi. There were 101 housing units at an average density of 376.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.81% White, 0.79% African American and 0.40% Asian. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.79% of the population.

There were 97 households, out of which 42.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.1% were married couples living together, 5.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.6% were non-families. 16.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 30.4% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.2 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $47,841, and the median income for a family was $50,625. Males had a median income of $36,563 versus $18,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,596. None of the families and 1.4% of the population were living below the poverty line.

Notable people
Robert Dinsmore Harrison - U.S. Congressman 1951-1959.

title: Panama, Nebraska


text:
Raymond, Nebraska

Raymond is a village in Lancaster County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the Lincoln, Nebraska Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 159 at the 2020 census.

History
Beginning in 1864, settlers arrived in the area and a subscription school was run in the home of Charles and Olive White. In 1870, Oak Creek was dammed and a grist mill was erected. A population grew in the area, generally centered around Raymond's present location, but there was no official settlement or name of the area. In 1878, a post office was established nearby and named "Orlando." Raymond was platted in 1880 when the railroad was extended to that point and was named for I. M. Raymond, a railroad official.

In 1892, Raymond became incorporated as a village and one year later a two-room school was built. Following consolidation with several neighboring school districts, a new high school was built near Agnew, Nebraska, but elementary school students still attend school in Raymond.

The twentieth century created challenges for Raymond. As automobiles became the way to travel cross-country in the United States, Raymond was left disconnected as Highway 79 passed one half mile west of the town rather than through it. World War II saw the building of the Lincoln Air Base and increasing numbers of factory jobs elsewhere, leaving Raymond behind.

However, Raymond experienced a period of growth following the construction of Branched Oak Dam in 1970. The dam provided flood relief for the village, but also created a large reservoir surrounded by the largest recreational area in eastern Nebraska.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.13 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 167 people, 71 households, and 45 families residing in the village. The population density was 1284.6 PD/sqmi. There were 76 housing units at an average density of 584.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.8% White, 0.6% African American, 1.2% Asian, and 2.4% from two or more races.

There were 71 households, of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.9% were married couples living together, 4.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.6% were non-families. 28.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.93.

The median age in the village was 45.2 years. 21.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21% were from 25 to 44; 42% were from 45 to 64; and 8.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 54.5% male and 45.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 186 people, 73 households, and 51 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,450.0 PD/sqmi. There were 75 housing units at an average density of 584.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.85% White, 0.54% African American, and 1.61% from two or more races.

There were 73 households, out of which 39.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.8% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.5% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 32.8% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.6 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $53,750, and the median income for a family was $57,188. Males had a median income of $41,250 versus $24,083 for females. The per capita income for the village was $21,672. None of the families and 2.9% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 14.3% of those over 64.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Raymond, Nebraska


text:
Roca, Nebraska

Roca is a village in Lancaster County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the Lincoln, Nebraska Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 201 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.14 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 220 people, 81 households, and 61 families residing in the village. The population density was 1571.4 PD/sqmi. There were 83 housing units at an average density of 592.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.8% White, 0.5% Asian, and 2.7% from two or more races.

There were 81 households, of which 43.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.4% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 24.7% were non-families. 18.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.07.

The median age in the village was 34.5 years. 29.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 31.8% were from 25 to 44; 26.7% were from 45 to 64; and 5.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 53.6% male and 46.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 220 people, 80 households, and 61 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,580.4 PD/sqmi. There were 86 housing units at an average density of 617.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.64% White, 0.45% Native American, and 0.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.91% of the population.

There were 80 households, out of which 50.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.5% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.8% were non-families. 15.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 30.0% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 39.1% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 5.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.3 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $47,083, and the median income for a family was $47,500. Males had a median income of $32,500 versus $21,500 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,224. None of the families and 1.0% of the population were living below the poverty line.

History
The population of Roca in 1890 was 190, the highest it has been before the present day. The post office was established September 22, 1894. When the town was platted in 1876, the citizens wished to choose a name, which would suggest the chief industry in the area, stone quarrying. Roca is the Spanish word for stone.

In 1857 John and Margaret Prey, adult sons, John W., Thomas, and William, and teenage children, David and Rebecca, came from Wisconsin to preempt land near the proposed town called "Olathe." There were high hopes for the future of the area, which was designated as "Clay County." However, not many people ventured this far onto the prairie. While there were no major confrontations with Indians, there were several scares, which caused some settlers to leave and not return. Indians took Rebecca Prey, but they released her when her father and brothers appeared.

In 1861 Delos and Frances Mills settled one-half mile west of Salt Creek. They built a small stone house, using limestone from a ledge that protruded from the ground. This was the beginning of the quarries that became a primary business. The following year Mills' mother, Orra Boydston, and her sister, Esther Warner arrived. Both widows, they filed on adjoining homesteads near Mills' cabin.

There was a "political altercation" in 1863, at which time Clay County was dissolved and the land divided between Gage and Lancaster counties. The Prey family and John Haskins were the only original settlers who remained at this location. In 1864 Elmore Keys arrived and bought Prey's cabin for $20. He moved it, log by log, to a site on the east side of the creek and later added a small stone lean-to.

In 1867 a committee was commissioned to find a location for the state's capital city. A site near the rock quarries on the Mills farm was suggested because of the availability of good building materials. However, the town of Lancaster was chosen instead. When work was started on the statehouse in 1868, rock from the quarry was said to be "unsatisfactory for building."

The quarry men built a school in 1869 near the Warner farm. When the Atchinson & Nebraska Railroad built its line to Lincoln in 1871, it came right through the area. The siding and station established at that time needed a name. Haskel Warner, who had worked with a survey crew in the New Mexico Territory, suggested "Roca," which is Spanish for rock.

Elmore Keys and John Meyer donated the land, and a town site was platted. The big stone house that Keys built on top of the hill east of the town at that time is still a fine home today. The town immediately started to grow, and 1876 incorporated it.

Keys & Bullock opened a new quarry on the south side of Roca in 1875, and later called it the Blue Stone quarry. Rock from these quarries was used in the construction of many buildings in Lincoln, out-state, and beyond. There was active quarrying in the area for over 100 years, both by the county and by private owners. In 1879 the number of students had grown so that another schoolhouse was needed. That one also was quickly outgrown, so a larger wooden building was erected. By 1882 there were 280 students and businesses included a motel, a mill, a hardware store, a lumberyard, and a few other shops. Main Street faced Salt Creek on the West Side of town, with the Railroad depot across the street.

Fires destroyed several businesses in 1891, the mill in about 1900, and the hotel in 1910. By then the quarries were not as productive. Businesses, once displaced, did not rebuild. In 1933 a large brick schoolhouse was built, which served the community until 1964 when a Consolidation effort formed the Norris School District with a building south of Hickman.

A Methodist church formed in 1876 was built by quarry men, and enlarged in 1925. That evidence burned in an early morning fire in 1969. A new church was built which was a small but active congregation. A small Lutheran church located near the school was active until 1916 when it disbanded. The original cemetery was one mile north of town on a sand hill. In 1876 the present cemetery was established on land donated by the Keys family; an enlargement of their family burial grounds. The "old stone store" was built from quarry rock as a blacksmith shop in 1879. It has been a lodge, community hall, and a grocery store, with an apartment upstairs.

title: Roca, Nebraska


text:
Sprague, Nebraska

Sprague is a village in Lancaster County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the Lincoln, Nebraska Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 136 at the 2020 census.

History
In 1865, a settlement called Centerville established a post office in the area, but never grew into a sustainable community. Sprague was established in 1888 when the Missouri Pacific Railroad was extended to that point and was named after a local Civil War veteran, William Sprague, and his wife, Amy. In 1894, a station named "Martell" was established and platted by the Rock Island Railroad nearby, but the village was never incorporated. Sprague was incorporated in 1913, when it was no longer required there be a population of at least 200 people.

In 1912 and again in 1927, fires broke out and burned down much of the business sector of Sprague. In 1963, the Bluestem Conservation Dam was built in the area, creating a 325-acre lake. A conservation area was created around Bluestem Lake, creating 742 acres of recreational area. The lake increased numbers of retirement communities and recreational homes in the area, though it remains primarily rural and agricultural.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.10 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 142 people, 61 households, and 41 families residing in the village. The population density was 1420.0 PD/sqmi. There were 63 housing units at an average density of 630.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.2% White, 0.7% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 61 households, of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.4% were married couples living together, 4.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.8% were non-families. 27.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.68.

The median age in the village was 39 years. 22.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.6% were from 25 to 44; 30.2% were from 45 to 64; and 16.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 51.4% male and 48.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 146 people, 59 households, and 42 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,164.9 PD/sqmi. There were 60 housing units at an average density of 478.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.58% White, 0.68% Native American, 1.37% from other races, and 1.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.37% of the population.

There were 59 households, out of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.7% were married couples living together, 1.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.8% were non-families. 20.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 21.9% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 34.2% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.9 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $40,000, and the median income for a family was $40,000. Males had a median income of $33,750 versus $22,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,203. There were none of the families and 2.8% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 8.3% of those over 64.

title: Sprague, Nebraska


text:
Waverly, Nebraska

Waverly is a village in Lancaster County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the Lincoln, Nebraska Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 4,279 at the 2020 census.

History
Waverly was platted in 1870 when the railroad was extended to that point. It was named after Walter Scott's 1814 historical novel Waverley; several of the city's street names were taken from the novel as well. Waverly was incorporated as a village in 1885. From 1921 to 1966 Waverly consolidated its school district with several surrounding school districts, allowing for the school system in Waverly to grow.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.35 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,277 people, 1,113 households, and 903 families living in the city. The population density was 1394.5 PD/sqmi. There were 1,152 housing units at an average density of 490.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.2% White, 0.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 1,113 households, of which 49.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.7% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 18.9% were non-families. 16.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.90 and the average family size was 3.24.

The median age in the city was 32.8 years. 33.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 31.2% were from 25 to 44; 20.8% were from 45 to 64; and 9.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.4% male and 49.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,448 people, 838 households, and 670 families living in the city. The population density was 2,621.9 PD/sqmi. There were 860 housing units at an average density of 921.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.00% White, 0.12% African American, 0.53% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.16% from other races, and 0.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.82% of the population.

There were 838 households, out of which 47.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.9% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.0% were non-families. 17.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.86 and the average family size was 3.26.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 32.6% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 31.9% from 25 to 44, 19.2% from 45 to 64, and 9.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.1 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $52,454, and the median income for a family was $56,875. Males had a median income of $36,960 versus $25,938 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,009. About 3.2% of families and 3.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.4% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Waverly is within the Waverly School District 145, and home to the following schools:
 * Evelyn Hamlow Elementary School; pre-school–2nd grade:
 * Waverly Intermediate School– {W.I.S}; 3rd–5th grade:
 * Waverly Middle School; 6th–8th grade:
 * Waverly High School; 9th–12th

title: Waverly, Nebraska


text:
Brady, Nebraska

Brady is a village in Lincoln County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the North Platte, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 428 at the 2010 census.

History
Brady was laid out in 1889. The community was named for a trapper named Brady who was killed on what is known as Brady Island.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.33 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 428 people, 159 households, and 121 families residing in the village. The population density was 1297.0 PD/sqmi. There were 177 housing units at an average density of 536.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.1% White, 0.2% African American, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9% of the population.

There were 159 households, of which 41.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.5% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 23.9% were non-families. 21.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.17.

The median age in the village was 36.4 years. 31.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.4% were from 25 to 44; 23.8% were from 45 to 64; and 15.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 48.8% male and 51.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 366 people, 155 households, and 110 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,117.9 PD/sqmi. There were 170 housing units at an average density of 519.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.91% White, 0.27% Native American, 0.27% Asian, and 0.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.27% of the population.

There were 155 households, out of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.6% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.87.

The median age in Brady was 37 years. 26.0% of the population was under the age of 18; 8.7% was aged from 18 to 24; 27.0% from 25 to 44; 22.1% from 45 to 64; and 16.1% aged 65 years or older. For every 100 females, there were 92.6 males; for every 100 females aged 18 and older, there were 86.9 males.

The median age in the village was 36.4 years. 31.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.4% were from 25 to 44; 23.8% were from 45 to 64; and 15.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 48.8% male and 51.2% female. The per capita income for the village was $14,024. About 12.5% of families and 15.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.4% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Brady, Nebraska


text:
Hershey, Nebraska

Hershey is a village in Lincoln County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the North Platte, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 665 at the 2010 census.

Beginnings
Hershey was established as a station on the Union Pacific Railroad. It was named for J. H. Hershey, a pioneer settler. The locations of the pre-existing O'Fallon's and Nichol's Stations are shown on an 1884 map of Lincoln County. An 1894 map shows the Hershey Station, to the west of Nichol's Station. The original town—consisting of 24 lots laid out in two square blocks—was platted on February 5, 1892, by Annie S. Guthrie.

Hershey in 1900
By 1900, Hershey had about 20 resident families and a population of 80. This included a blacksmith (Alfred Leister), two merchants (Joseph Strickler and Martin Mickelsen), a lumberman (Weston Hill), a liveryman (Horace Stone), a doctor (William Eves), a postmaster (John Pricket), a minister (William Evans), and two railroad foremen. There were about 64 farm families (including laborers working for others) in the surrounding Nichols Precinct. Most families were of American origin, although there were five German families, and one or two each of Swedish, French, Scottish, Dutch, Bohemian and Canadian background. The village was incorporated in April 1909.

From 1900 to 1920
Between 1900 and 1920, Hershey grew rapidly and added the structural foundation, commercial attractions, and social amenities of an important economic center for the surrounding area. A local newspaper, the Hershey Times, began publication in 1911. In 1913, a bond issue was approved providing for public water and electric lights. A telephone exchange was introduced in 1914. Businesses in Hershey in 1920, in addition to those present in 1900, included two mills (one of which, an alfalfa mill, burned in March 1920), two elevators, a hotel, two banks, three agricultural implement dealers, a cement works, an automobile dealer, a garage, a tire store, a meat market, a drug store, a restaurant, a number of dealers in agricultural products, including stock and hay, a barber, and an Opera House. There were three churches, the Methodist, Presbyterian (54 members), and Lutheran (40 members), and a number of fraternal organizations, including the Odd Fellows (63 members), Yeomanry (39 members), Modern Woodmen of the World, Royal Neighbors and Mystic Legion.

Agricultural context
Hershey is located between the North and South Platte rivers in the midst of good agricultural land, much of it irrigated. From an early date, agricultural production emphasized stock raising, alfalfa, and sugar beets. The sugar beet industry was encouraged by a tariff on sugar enacted in 1897. In 1905, there were 721 acres in Nicols Precinct planted to sugar beets. Shipments from Hershey in 1919 included 904 rail carloads of hay and 279 carloads of sugar beets. While the sugar content of the beets raised near Hershey was high, the volume was long insufficient to support a processing plant.

Further immigration
Both the railroad and the sugar beet industries were labor intensive, attracting additional immigrant groups to supply that labor. These groups included Russian Germans (ethnic Germans from Russia), Japanese and Mexicans. In 1900, there were three Russian families in the Hershey area (Henry Haff, George Amen, and Conrad Amen), two of whom had become farmers in their own right. By 1910, there had been a substantial influx of Swedish settlers, most engaged in farming. There were also two households of Japanese men in Nichols Precinct, without wives, one consisting of seven men working for the railroad and one of four men engaged in farming. By 1920, there were eight Japanese families in Hershey itself, all engaged in farming. The Mexican community repeated the pattern: in 1920, there were three Mexican households in Hershey, including young men working for the railroad. By the late 1920s, there were 19 Mexican families in Hershey. Both the Japanese and Mexican families were important parts of the community thereafter.

Geography
Hershey is located on the Union Pacific Railroad's Overland Route.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.61 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 665 people, 266 households, and 193 families residing in the village. The population density was 1090.2 PD/sqmi. There were 292 housing units at an average density of 478.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 90.5% White, 0.3% African American, 0.8% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 5.6% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.9% of the population.

There were 266 households, of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.9% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 27.4% were non-families. 21.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.94.

The median age in the village was 40.6 years. 25.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.7% were from 25 to 44; 30.3% were from 45 to 64; and 14.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 572 people, 232 households, and 167 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,142.4 PD/sqmi. There were 249 housing units at an average density of 497.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 91.61% White, 0.17% African American, 0.52% Asian, 6.82% from other races, and 0.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.62% of the population.

There were 232 households, out of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.8% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.6% were non-families. 23.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.1% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 26.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.4 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $36,875, and the median income for a family was $43,000. Males had a median income of $31,500 versus $16,848 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,791. About 9.7% of families and 9.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.7% of those under age 18 and 11.9% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Ben Kuroki
 * Walt Golvin, baseball player

title: Hershey, Nebraska


text:
Maxwell, Nebraska

Maxwell is a village in Lincoln County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the North Platte Micropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 312 at the 2010 census.

History
Maxwell was platted in 1894 after the Union Pacific Railroad was extended to that point. The town was named for a railroad official. Maxwell was incorporated as a village in 1908.

On May 17, 2000, Maxwell was hit by an F3 tornado.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.34 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 312 people, 121 households, and 87 families residing in the village. The population density was 917.6 PD/sqmi. There were 133 housing units at an average density of 391.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.5% White, 0.6% African American, 1.0% Native American, 1.0% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.6% of the population.

There were 121 households, of which 39.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.4% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 9.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.1% were non-families. 24.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.06.

The median age in the village was 38.6 years. 27.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.1% were from 25 to 44; 26% were from 45 to 64; and 14.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.4% male and 50.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 315 people, 116 households, and 87 families residing in the village. The population density was 933.5 PD/sqmi. There were 131 housing units at an average density of 388.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.78% White, 0.63% African American, and 1.59% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.86% of the population.

There were 116 households, out of which 43.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.3% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.0% were non-families. 21.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.22.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 32.7% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 19.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $35,625, and the median income for a family was $45,469. Males had a median income of $39,500 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $13,911. About 12.9% of families and 13.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.4% of those under age 18 and 4.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Maxwell, Nebraska


text:
Sutherland, Nebraska

Sutherland is a village in Lincoln County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the North Platte, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,286 at the 2010 census.

History
Sutherland was platted in 1891 after the Union Pacific Railroad had been built through the settlement.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.04 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,286 people, 473 households, and 339 families living in the village. The population density was 1236.5 PD/sqmi. There were 534 housing units at an average density of 513.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.0% White, 0.7% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.6% from other races, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.0% of the population.

There were 473 households, of which 36.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.3% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.3% were non-families. 24.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.11.

The median age in the village was 39.9 years. 27.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.4% were from 25 to 44; 23.6% were from 45 to 64; and 19.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.5% male and 50.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,129 people, 442 households, and 307 families living in the village. The population density was 1,202.8 PD/sqmi. There were 465 housing units at an average density of 495.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.84% White, 0.09% African American, 0.35% Native American, 3.28% from other races, and 0.44% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.05% of the population.

There were 442 households, out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.5% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% were non-families. 27.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 25.3% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.5 males.

The median age in the village was 39.9 years. 27.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.4% were from 25 to 44; 23.6% were from 45 to 64; and 19.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.5% male and 50.5% female.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $39,583, and the median income for a family was $47,132. Males had a median income of $34,107 versus $20,729 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,848. About 6.9% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.9% of those under age 18 and 8.1% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * M. Miriam Herrera, author and poet
 * Cliff Mapes, baseball player

title: Sutherland, Nebraska


text:
Wallace, Nebraska

Wallace is a village in Lincoln County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the North Platte, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 366 at the 2010 census.

History
When the railroad was extended in 1887 Wallace was platted.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.71 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 366 people, 140 households, and 104 families residing in the village. The population density was 515.5 PD/sqmi. There were 152 housing units at an average density of 214.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 85.5% White, 1.1% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 10.4% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.2% of the population.

There were 140 households, of which 40.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.4% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.7% were non-families. 22.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.09.

The median age in the village was 35.8 years. 30.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.2% were from 25 to 44; 24.8% were from 45 to 64; and 15.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 47.0% male and 53.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 329 people, 134 households, and 97 families residing in the village. The population density was 467.5 PD/sqmi. There were 145 housing units at an average density of 206.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.39% White, 0.30% Native American, 0.30% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.61% of the population.

There were 134 households, out of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.2% were married couples living together, 3.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.9% were non-families. 26.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.9% under the age of 18, 4.6% from 18 to 24, 22.2% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 20.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.3 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $36,771, and the median income for a family was $41,346. Males had a median income of $30,179 versus $19,688 for females. The per capita income for the village was $22,033. About 6.4% of families and 9.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.3% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Local business

 * 1st State Bank - 1st.BANK

title: Wallace, Nebraska


text:
Wellfleet, Nebraska

Wellfleet is a village in Lincoln County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the North Platte, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 78 at the 2010 census.

History
Wellfleet was platted circa 1887 when the railroad was extended to that point. It was named after the town of Wellfleet, Massachusetts.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.27 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 78 people, 30 households, and 24 families residing in the village. The population density was 288.9 PD/sqmi. There were 38 housing units at an average density of 140.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 76.9% White, 1.3% African American, 5.1% Asian, 7.7% from other races, and 9.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.3% of the population.

There were 30 households, of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.3% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 20.0% were non-families. 20.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 2.88.

The median age in the village was 50.5 years. 25.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 11.6% were from 25 to 44; 47.4% were from 45 to 64; and 11.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 48.7% male and 51.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 76 people, 27 households, and 18 families residing in the village. The population density was 272.6 PD/sqmi. There were 32 housing units at an average density of 114.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.11% White, and 7.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.58% of the population.

There were 27 households, out of which 40.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.0% were married couples living together, 3.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.3% were non-families. 18.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.81 and the average family size was 3.44.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 30.3% under the age of 18, 11.8% from 18 to 24, 18.4% from 25 to 44, 30.3% from 45 to 64, and 9.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.3 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $32,500, and the median income for a family was $48,750. Males had a median income of $29,167 versus $12,500 for females. The per capita income for the village was $13,011. There were 15.4% of families and 15.4% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 77.8% of those over 64.

title: Wellfleet, Nebraska


text:
Gandy, Nebraska

Gandy is a village in Logan County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the North Platte, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 34 at the 2020 census.

History
Gandy was the first seat of Logan County. An election on July 25, 1885, established the town of Gandy and named it the Logan County seat. Gandy was named after an early settler, Jim Gandy, who agreed to donate the land for the town in exchange for the naming rights. Gandy was the largest town in Logan County until a Union Pacific spur line bypassed it to the north, and terminated at a newly established town, Stapleton, in 1913. Gandy remained the county seat until an election held on May 2, 1929, changed the seat to Stapleton.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.25 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 32 people, 17 households, and 10 families residing in the village. The population density was 128.0 PD/sqmi. There were 22 housing units at an average density of 88.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.0% White.

There were 17 households, of which 5.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.9% were married couples living together, 5.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.2% were non-families. 35.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.88 and the average family size was 2.40.

The median age in the village was 60.5 years. 9.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 0.0% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 6.2% were from 25 to 44; 50% were from 45 to 64; and 34.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 43.8% male and 56.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 30 people, 14 households, and 9 families residing in the village. The population density was 122.7 PD/sqmi. There were 17 housing units at an average density of 69.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.00% White.

There were 14 households, out of which 14.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.4% were married couples living together, and 28.6% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.60.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 13.3% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 36.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.7 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $24,167, and the median income for a family was $47,500. Males had a median income of $48,125 versus $9,375 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,650. There were no families and 20.8% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 50.0% of those over 64.

title: Gandy, Nebraska


text:
Stapleton, Nebraska

Stapleton is a village in and the county seat of Logan County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 267 at the 2020 census.

Stapleton is part of the North Platte, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Stapleton was established in 1912 when the Union Pacific Railroad was extended to that point. It was named for Mr. Stapleton whose donation was instrumental in starting the town. In 2022, Stapleton passed a town ordinance banning abortion, the aiding & abetting of abortion, and the possession of abortion-inducing drugs.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.25 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 305 people, 128 households, and 88 families residing in the village. The population density was 1220.0 PD/sqmi. There were 150 housing units at an average density of 600.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.3% White, 0.3% African American, and 0.3% Asian. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0% of the population.

There were 128 households, of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.0% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.3% were non-families. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.82.

The median age in the village was 41.1 years. 26.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.6% were from 25 to 44; 24.9% were from 45 to 64; and 20.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 301 people, 126 households, and 83 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,219.5 PD/sqmi. There were 144 housing units at an average density of 583.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.00% White, 0.33% Native American, and 0.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.00% of the population.

There were 126 households, out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.3% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 29.6% under the age of 18, 4.0% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.7 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $33,125, and the median income for a family was $37,143. Males had a median income of $27,813 versus $25,625 for females. The per capita income for the village was $14,822. About 4.8% of families and 9.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.2% of those under the age of eighteen and 13.0% of those 65 or over.

Notable person

 * C. Arlen Beam, federal judge

title: Stapleton, Nebraska


text:
Taylor, Nebraska

Taylor is a village in, and the county seat of, Loup County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 190 at the 2010 census.

History
Taylor was platted in 1883 and was named for Ed Taylor, a pioneer settler.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.26 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 190 people, 82 households, and 51 families residing in the village. The population density was 730.8 PD/sqmi. There were 104 housing units at an average density of 400.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.5% White and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.5% of the population.

There were 82 households, of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.7% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.8% were non-families. 34.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.94.

The median age in the village was 45.7 years. 28.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 16.3% were from 25 to 44; 29.9% were from 45 to 64; and 21.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 47.9% male and 52.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 207 people, 97 households, and 58 families residing in the village. The population density was 797.3 PD/sqmi. There were 111 housing units at an average density of 427.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.52% White, and 0.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.97% of the population.

There were 97 households, out of which 24.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples living together, 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.2% were non-families. 38.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.78.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 22.7% under the age of 18, 3.4% from 18 to 24, 21.7% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 25.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.1 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $21,875, and the median income for a family was $25,469. Males had a median income of $19,688 versus $14,792 for females. The per capita income for the village was $10,880. About 9.1% of families and 9.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.4% of those under the age of eighteen and 3.9% of those 65 or over.

title: Taylor, Nebraska


text:
Battle Creek, Nebraska

Battle Creek is a city in Madison County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the Norfolk Micropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,194 at the 2020 census.

History
In 1859, following complaints of Pawnee depredations against settlers in the Elkhorn River valley, a combined force of Nebraska Territorial Militia under the command of General John Milton Thayer and 2nd U.S. Army Dragoons under Lieutenant Beverly Holcombe Robertson prepared to attack a Pawnee village. Rather than fighting, the Pawnees surrendered before the attack could be launched. Chief Petalesharu draped an American flag over his shoulders and held a peace pipe while confronting the soldiers to stop the fight from taking place, ending the Pawnee War of 1859. Although no battle occurred, the nearby stream was dubbed Battle Creek. The town founded in the area in 1867 took the creek's name for itself.

Geography
The city is in northern Madison County. Nebraska Highway 121 (4th Street) passes through the west side of the city, leading north less than 2 mi to U.S. Route 275 and south 11 mi to Nebraska Highway 32. Norfolk, the largest city in Madison County, is 11 mi northeast of Battle Creek via US 275, and Madison, the county seat, is 19 mi to the southeast via Highways 121 and 32.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city of Battle Creek has a total area of 0.71 sqmi, all land. The eponymous Battle Creek runs along the western border of the city, flowing north to the Elkhorn River near US 275.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 1,207 people in 457 households, including 321 families, in the city. The population density was 1700.0 PD/sqmi. There were 480 housing units at an average density of 676.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.8% White, 0.1% African American, 1.2% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 0.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8%.

Of the 457 households 39.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.1% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.8% were non-families. 25.8% of households were one person and 14% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.08.

The median age was 39.7 years. 28.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.4% were from 25 to 44; 24.9% were from 45 to 64; and 17.6% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.2% male and 51.8% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 1,158 people in 434 households, including 325 families, in the city. The population density was 1,784.6 PD/sqmi. There were 447 housing units at an average density of 688.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.41% White, 0.09% African American, 1.38% Native American, 0.43% from other races, and 0.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.04% of the population.

Of the 434 households 40.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.8% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.1% were non-families. 23.3% of households were one person and 13.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.14.

The age distribution was 31.1% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 18.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.8% 65 or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.0 males.

The median household income was $43,906, and the median family income was $50,179. Males had a median income of $34,792 versus $20,536 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,996. About 4.3% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.4% of those under age 18 and 8.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Battle Creek, Nebraska


text:
Madison, Nebraska

Madison is a city in and the county seat of Madison County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 2,283 at the 2020 census.

History
Madison was founded in 1867, named from Madison County. It was designated the county seat in 1875.

Geography
The city is in southeastern Madison County, located just west of the junction of U.S. Route 81 and Nebraska Highway 32. US 81 leads north 15 mi to Norfolk, the largest city in the county, and south 30 mi to Columbus, while Highway 32 leads east 39 mi to West Point and west 34 mi to Petersburg.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Madison has a total area of 1.18 sqmi, all land. Union Creek passes through the city just north of downtown, flowing east to join the Elkhorn River near Stanton. Taylor Creek joins Union Creek in Madison, entering the city from the north.

Madison lies at an elevation of 1580 ft above sea level, rising to nearly 1700 ft at the southern border of the city.

Demographics
Madison is part of the Norfolk, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,438 people, 760 households, and 550 families residing in the city. The population density was 2120.0 PD/sqmi. There were 818 housing units at an average density of 711.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 65.3% White, 1.0% African American, 1.0% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 30.3% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 48.8% of the population.

There were 760 households, of which 42.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.3% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 27.6% were non-families. 23.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.99 and the average family size was 3.56.

The median age in the city was 32 years. 31.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.5% were from 25 to 44; 21.6% were from 45 to 64; and 11.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.8% male and 49.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,367 people, 749 households, and 533 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,072.1 PD/sqmi. There were 802 housing units at an average density of 702.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 75.37% White, 0.63% African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 22.48% from other races, and 1.06% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 33.88% of the population.

There were 749 households, out of which 39.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.7% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.8% were non-families. 25.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.93 and the average family size was 3.51.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 29.8% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 16.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.9 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $35,758, and the median income for a family was $40,733. Males had a median income of $25,550 versus $21,386 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,620. About 9.5% of families and 14.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.1% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
The largest single employer in Madison is the Tyson Fresh Meats pork-processing plant, with 1,200 full-time employees. Other major employers are Countryside Home, a nursing home with 93 full-time and 51 part-time employees; Madison City Schools, with 97 full-time employees; and D&D Industries, a manufacturer of wood pallets with 40 full-time employees.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Madison has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfa" on climate maps.

Transportation
Intercity bus service to the city is provided by Express Arrow.

Notable people

 * Frances Louise Long (1885–1946), plant ecologist who worked in the fields of plant physiology and pollination
 * Horace L. McBride, lieutenant general in the U.S. Army and commander of the 80th Infantry Division in Europe during World War II
 * Armitage Trail (1902–1930), author of Scarface, born in Madison but his family moved away soon after

title: Madison, Nebraska


text:
Meadow Grove, Nebraska

Meadow Grove is a village in Madison County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the Norfolk Micropolitan Statistical Area. The population of Meadow Grove was 287 at the 2020 census.

History
Meadow Grove was platted in 1886. It was named from a grove of trees in a meadow near the original town site.

Geography
Meadow Grove is in northwestern Madison County, mostly on the south side of U.S. Route 275, which leads west 5 mi to Tilden and east 16 mi to Norfolk, the largest city in the county.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.31 sqmi, all land. The Elkhorn River passes about 1 mi north of the village.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Meadow Grove has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfa" on climate maps.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 301 people, 134 households, and 76 families residing in the village. The population density was 971.0 PD/sqmi. There were 154 housing units at an average density of 496.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.7% White, 0.3% African American, 1.3% Native American, 1.7% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.7% of the population.

There were 134 households, of which 23.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.3% were non-families. 38.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.91.

The median age in the village was 39.8 years. 21.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.3% were from 25 to 44; 30.2% were from 45 to 64; and 14.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 52.2% male and 47.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 311 people, 146 households, and 88 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,023.8 PD/sqmi. There were 162 housing units at an average density of 533.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.18% White, 0.32% African American, 2.57% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.96% from other races, and 0.64% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.93% of the population.

There were 146 households, out of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.4% were married couples living together, 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.7% were non-families. 39.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.85.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 21.5% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 23.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.7 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the village was $26,042, and the median income for a family was $35,417. Males had a median income of $26,563 versus $20,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,259. About 16.0% of families and 21.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 42.4% of those under age 18 and 15.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Meadow Grove, Nebraska


text:
Norfolk, Nebraska

Norfolk ( or ) is a city in Madison County, Nebraska, United States, 113 miles northwest of Omaha and 76 miles southwest of Sioux City, Iowa, at the intersection of U.S. Routes 81 and 275. The population was 24,955 at the 2020 census, making it the seventh-most populous city in Nebraska. It is the principal city of the Norfolk Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Settlement and early history
In late 1865 three scouts were sent from a German Lutheran settlement near Ixonia, Wisconsin, to find productive, inexpensive farmland that could be claimed under the Homestead Act. From the Omaha area they followed the Elkhorn River upstream to West Point. Finding that area too crowded, they continued up the river. On September 15, they reached the junction of the Elkhorn and its North Fork, and chose that area as a settlement site. On May 23, 1866, a party of 124 settlers representing 42 families from the Ixonia area set out for northeast Nebraska in three wagon trains. They arrived at the new site on July 15. A second group of settlers from Wisconsin arrived in July 1867. These collective wagon parties established the first church in Madison County, St. Paul's Lutheran, which is still operating today.

The original name of the colony was a variant of "North Fork", but accounts differ on the exact name: "Northfork", "Nor'fork", and "Nordfork" are all suggested. The name was submitted to federal postal authorities, and at some point was transmuted to "Norfolk". Nebraskans typically pronounce it as "Norfork".

The North Fork settlement was named the county seat in 1867. In 1875 a series of elections changed this. In the first of these Norfolk, which at the time had 45 voters, was eliminated. In a subsequent election Madison was chosen over Battle Creek.

Railroads and growth
The Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad was built after the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in South Dakota. It ran from the Omaha area up the Elkhorn valley, then across northern Nebraska and into South Dakota. Its arrival at Norfolk in 1879 connected the city through Wisner to Blair on the Missouri. The Omaha, Niobrara, and Black Hills branch of the Union Pacific ran north from the railroad's main line at Duncan to Norfolk; it reached the city in 1880. The Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad was completed to Norfolk in 1882.

The development of these railway connections led to significant growth in the city. In 1886 Norfolk's population reached 1,000, making it a city of the second class. A street railway system and a public water supply were established in 1887. In 1888 a franchise was granted to the Norfolk Electric Light Company, and the Nebraska Telephone Company was given a right-of-way for "general telegraph and telephone business".

The Nebraska legislature created the Insane Asylum in Norfolk in 1885; it accepted its first patients in 1888. In 1920, the institution's name was changed to the Norfolk State Hospital; in 1962, it became the Norfolk Regional Center. As of 2010, it was a 120-bed institution providing the initial phase of treatment to sex offenders.

Automobile age
In 1900, the city had a population of 3,883, nearly quadruple its population of a decade earlier. By 1910, it had more than 6,000 people, comprising roughly one-third of Madison County's population of 19,101. In 1915, petitions were filed for an election to move the county seat from Madison to Norfolk. The measure, however, failed to secure the necessary number of votes.

In the 1910s, development began on the Meridian Highway as a direct north–south route across the United States; the route of the highway ran through Norfolk. The 1924 completion of the Meridian Bridge across the Missouri River at the Nebraska-South Dakota border made the highway a continuous year-round thoroughfare. In 1926, it was designated as U.S. Highway 81. A second federal highway, U.S. Highway 275, received its designation in 1939; it follows the Elkhorn valley upstream from Omaha through Norfolk to O'Neill. During World War II, the segment from Norfolk to O'Neill was a portion of the Strategic Network of Highways; as such, it was given a high priority for federal funds for materials and for federal maintenance funds.

Air travel developed in Norfolk beginning with the establishment of a flying school in 1928. The school's field gradually expanded and was improved. In 1942 the WPA began construction of a municipal airport at the site. Although construction materials were limited during World War II, Norfolk received priority as an auxiliary field to several war-related airports, including Sioux City Air Field. After the war, Congressman Karl Stefan, a resident of Norfolk and a member of the Congressional Air Policy Board, used his influence to secure further funding for the airport. Commercial passenger flight through the airport began in the early 1950s.

In the 1970s, another attempt was made to move the county seat from Madison to Norfolk. In a 1975 county-wide election, the move's proponents failed to secure a simple majority. A 60% majority would have been necessary for the measure to pass.

On September 26, 2002, three gunmen robbed a US Bank branch in Norfolk, killing five people in the process. This was the nation's deadliest bank robbery in at least a decade. The three gunmen, Jose Sandoval, Jorge Galindo and Erick Vela, were arrested the same day as was their accomplice Gabriel Rodriguez. All four men were later convicted and sentenced for their roles in the crime. Sandoval, Galindo and Vela were given the death penalty, whereas Rodriguez received life imprisonment.

Geography
Norfolk is in northeastern Nebraska, in the northeast corner of Madison County. U.S. Route 81 passes through the city west of downtown, following 13th Street; it leads south 45 mi to Columbus, Nebraska, and north 58 mi to Yankton, South Dakota. U.S. Route 275 passes through the southern part of Norfolk on Omaha Avenue and leads southeast 42 mi to West Point and northwest 75 mi to O'Neill. Nebraska Highway 35 leads northeast from Norfolk 31 mi to Wayne.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Norfolk has a total area of 18.5 sqmi, of which 18.1 sqmi are land and 0.4 sqmi, or 2.12%, water. The Elkhorn River passes through the southern part of the city, flowing southeast to join the Platte River west of Omaha.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 24,955 people, 10,240 households, and 5,724 families in Norfolk. The population density was 1,387.9 per square mile (536.0/km$2$). There were 11,112 housing units at an average density of 618.0 per square mile (238.7/km$2$). The racial makeup was 80.34% (20,048) white, 1.52% (380) black or African-American, 1.82% (453) Native American, 1.13% (282) Asian, 0.02% (4) Pacific Islander, 7.28% (1,816) from other races, and 7.9% (1,972) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 14.0% (3,522) of the population.

Of the 10,240 households, 26.4% had children under the age of 18; 41.6% were married couples living together; 30.6% had a female householder with no husband present. 37.9% of households consisted of individuals and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.3 and the average family size was 3.1.

24.8% of the population was under the age of 18, 10.3% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.6 years. For every 100 females, the population had 95.7 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 92.0 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $49,280 (with a margin of error of +/- $3,354) and the median family income $68,608 (+/- $5,266). Males had a median income of $39,418 (+/- $2,586) versus $27,006 (+/- $972) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $32,637 (+/- $1,628). Approximately, 9.9% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.9% of those under the age of 18 and 13.4% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 24,210 people, 9,910 households, and 6,005 families living in the city. The population density was 2264.7 PD/sqmi. There were 10,625 housing units at an average density of 993.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 88.0% White, 1.6% African American, 1.4% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 6.3% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.1% of the population.

There were 9,910 households, of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.4% were non-families. 32.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 3.00.

The median age in the city was 35.5 years. 24.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 12.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.6% were from 25 to 44; 25.1% were from 45 to 64; and 14.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 23,516 people, 9,360 households, and 5,868 families living in the city. The population density was 2,358.0 PD/sqmi. There were 10,072 housing units at an average density of 1,009.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 91.41% White, 1.16% African American, 1.53% Native American, 0.48% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 4.19% from other races, and 1.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.61% of the population.

There were 9,360 households, out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.3% were non-families. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.9% under the age of 18, 13.4% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 19.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.2 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $34,609, and the median income for a family was $45,460. Males had a median income of $31,445 versus $21,397 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,990. About 7.0% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.6% of those under age 18 and 12.2% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Norfolk is the principal retail center of northeastern Nebraska. Other significant elements of the local economy include agriculture, manufacturing, and services including education and health care.

Major local manufacturers include:
 * Nucor, which employs about 1,200 people manufacturing steel products at four locations in Norfolk
 * Covidien, with about 440 employees producing syringes and other medical supplies
 * Continental, employing about 350 producing high-pressure and hydraulic hose
 * Norfolk Iron and Metal, with 320 employees manufacturing steel products
 * Wis-Pak, employing about 100 to produce soft drinks and other beverages

Major non-manufacturing commercial employers include Wal-Mart, with about 410 employees, and Associated Wholesale Grocers, formerly known as Affiliated Foods Midwest, whose distribution center in Norfolk employs about 650. Other major employers include Faith Regional Health Services, a nonprofit with about 1,300 employees, and Norfolk Public Schools, with about 700.

Education
Norfolk has a single post-secondary educational institution, Northeast Community College, with over 7,000 students taking courses for credit. Over 18,000 students took non-credit courses; another 1,200 were in adult-education courses, including GED preparation, English as a second language, and preparation for the Naturalization test.

The Norfolk Public School District has an enrollment of over 4,000 students. There are seven elementary schools, six in Norfolk and one in the Woodland Park community; one preschool; one junior high school; and two high schools, Norfolk Senior High School and Alternatives For Success, the latter described as an "alternative high school". These schools lie between the Norfolk and Woodland Park communities.

There are several private elementary and high schools in the city. Norfolk Catholic Schools operates a grade school and Norfolk Catholic High School, with a total enrollment of about 650. Two Lutheran elementary schools and a high school enroll a total of about 470 pupils. St. Paul's Lutheran School is a Pre-K-8 school of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) in Norfolk. Keystone Christian Academy enrolled about 60 students in pre-school through twelfth grade until its closure in May 2019.

Media
The Norfolk Daily News is the city's principal newspaper. It is published six days a week (excluding Sundays).

Norfolk has two television stations, KXNE-TV 19 (DTV 16), which is part of the NET Television network, and KNEN-LD 35 (DTV 35), operating as part of the statewide network News Channel Nebraska (NCN). Three Sioux City stations -- KTIV (NBC), KMEG (Dabl) and KPTH (Fox/CBS) -- also operate low-power translators just east of the city.

Norfolk has one AM station: WJAG 780 (news/talk). There are seven FM stations: KXNE-FM 89.3 (public radio); KPNO 90.9 (Christian talk); K219DW 91.9 (Christian talk); KUSO 92.7 (country); KNEN 94.7 (rock); KEXL 97.5 (adult contemporary), and KQKX 106.7 (country).

Transportation
Intercity bus service to the city is provided by Express Arrow.

Notable people

 * Joyce Ballantyne, painter of pin-up art; born in Norfolk
 * Jim Buchanan, a major-league baseball pitcher for the St. Louis Browns
 * Max Carl (Gronenthal), singer and songwriter for .38 Special; grew up in Humphrey and graduated from a Norfolk High School
 * Orville Carlisle, inventor of model rocketry in 1954, working in the basement of his shoe store
 * Television host Johnny Carson (born in Corning, Iowa) moved to Norfolk at the age of 8 and graduated from Norfolk High School.
 * Jeromey Clary, offensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers; born in Norfolk
 * Mike Flood, U.S. representative for Nebraska's 1st congressional district
 * Judi M. gaiashkibos, executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs
 * Joyce Hall, who created the Norfolk Post Card Company in 1908. The company eventually moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where it became Hallmark Cards.
 * Philip N. Krasne, producer of the later Charlie Chan films and the Cisco Kid television series
 * Bill Lafleur, punter for San Francisco 49ers for two years; graduated from Norfolk Catholic High School in 1994
 * Patrick M. Martin, later a congressman from California
 * Scott Munter, pitcher for the San Francisco Giants; born in Norfolk
 * Shane Osborn, pilot of the plane downed in the Hainan Island incident, and later Nebraska State Treasurer; raised in Norfolk and graduated from Norfolk High School
 * Doris Pawn, actress in silent motion pictures
 * Thurl Ravenscroft, best known as the voice of "Tony the Tiger" and as the singer of the song "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch"; born in Norfolk
 * The Smoke Ring, 1960s rock band
 * Don Stewart, actor best known for his role in Guiding Light
 * Dean White, billionaire entrepreneur

title: Norfolk, Nebraska


text:
Central City, Nebraska

Central City is a city and the county seat of Merrick County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the Grand Island metropolitan area. The population was 3,039 at the 2020 census.

Early inhabitants
The inhabitants just prior to the establishment of Lone Tree (Central City) were the Pawnee people. In the late 1700s, the Chaui (Cáwiiʾi) had a village on the current location of Central City. An account that an old Chaui man gave to Major Frank North in 1875 about a battle that took place between two divisions of the Pawnee (the Chaui, Pitahauerit, and Kitkehahki, jointly known as the Southern Pawnee, on one side; and the Skidi on the other) in the late 1700s illustrates the political complexities of the early inhabitants of what would come to be Central City.

There had been considerable rivalry between the Chaui and the Skidi, which eventually led to an unprovoked attack by the Skidi on a group of Chaui hunting buffalo. It was estimated that 200 Chaui were killed. All were men from the Chaui village, which was near Lone Tree and where Central City is now located. The surviving Chaui returned to their village (this was thought to have occurred during winter). The Chaui did not believe they were strong enough to attack the Skidi, so they held councils with two other Southern Pawnee bands and told them what happened. The Pitahauerit and Kitkehahki decided to help the Chaui against the Skidi.

The men of the three villages crossed the Platte River and made a night march to the Skidi village. Some of the men dressed as buffaloes in order to entice the Skidi out of their village to hunt buffalo. The rest of the men hid along the river and behind the ridge of sandhills next to the river. The Skidi charged between the men hiding along the river and behind the sandhill ridge thinking that they were chasing buffalo; the Southern Pawnees attacked them there. All of the Skidi men who had not gone out to hunt the buffaloes came out of the village and joined buffalo hunters who had initially escaped, preparing to make a last stand. Grinnell's Chaui informant estimated that more than 400 Skidi men were killed. The Chaui and the Pitahauerat wanted to exterminate the Skidi, but the Kitkehaki disagreed, arguing that the Skidi were the same people as they and should not be eradicated. The three bands argued for some time, but the Kitkehaki won the argument. They told the Skidi that they wanted to talk and Skidi subsequently agreed to their terms. The Southern Pawnees took much of the Skidi property, including many horses. Many of the Skidi women were forced to marry into the other villages to establish family ties among villages of Pawnee.

Founding of Lone Tree
The first pioneers passed through the area on the Mormon Trail in 1847 and later on the Oregon Trail and the California Trail. This location was close to a huge cottonwood tree, called Lone Tree, that the pioneers used on these trails as a landmark. In 1858, the Nebraska Territorial Legislature established Merrick County, naming it after Elvira Merrick, the wife of a Dodge County territorial legislator who introduced the bill creating Merrick County. A yet to be established county seat was called "Elvira" and was said to be located under Lone Tree.

The actual county seat was created in 1866 near the planned location of Elvira and renamed "Lone Tree". It was established as the Union Pacific Railroad was laying tracks through Merrick County. In 1868, J.H. Berryman built the first substantial building, which functioned as a general store, hotel, bar, courthouse, revival meeting hall, and his home. The first courthouse was built in 1871 and was replaced by the current court house in 1912.

Name change
In 1875 a petition was presented to the Merrick County Court requesting a name change for Lone Tree to "Central City". Proponents of change argued that the name "Lone Tree" gave the impression that the area was desolate and the inhabitants were poor and uncivilized, which would not bring in new settlers and thereby limit the growth of the area. Opponents to change countered that "Lone Tree" portrayed a "beautiful spot and is a name dear to the pioneers." The proponents of change won out and on July 1, 1875, the name was officially changed to Central City. The new name was meant to designate the city's key location within the state's agricultural belt.

Boom town
By the 1880s, Central City was a boomtown after the arrival of a second railroad, the Burlington & Missouri River. During this time of peak growth, three banks were built, in addition to a hardware store, a roller mill, two newspapers, three lumberyards, a cracker factory, a cigar factory, a new brick school, nine churches, and Nebraska Central College, a Methodist institution which opened in 1885.

The first newspaper in Central City was The Merrick County News, which published its first edition on March 21, 1872; it would become the Courier in 1874. Several attempts were made to establish a second paper, starting with the Sentinel, a "railroad" paper, on April 10, 1873; it lasted only a short time. In 1880, the Merrick County Item was first published, but lasted only until 1881. In 1882, the Nonpareil opened and Central City again had two newspapers.

By the 1890s, economic growth had slowed. The Courier closed in 1890, and Nebraska Central College closed in 1891. A flood washed out both the Union Pacific and Burlington railroad tracks. By the mid-1890s, economic conditions were improving. Two new newspapers opened: the Record in 1895 (which would close in 1908) and the Republican in 1896 (which would merge with the Nonpareil to form the current Republican-Nonpareil in 1953). The Society of Friends (Quakers) reopened Nebraska Central College in 1899.

The early 1900s saw the construction of a new courthouse (1911–1913), the historic Martha Ellen Auditorium (1916, earlier an opera house), and a new high school. Economic growth was aided in the 1920s by the opening of a branch of Omaha Cold Storage in 1927, allowing farmers to sell their poultry and eggs locally at better prices. Perhaps the most notable citizen of Central City, Wright Morris, lived here from 1910 to 1919.

1930s to the present
A library was built just before the Great Depression, but little construction took place during the 1930s. In the 1940s, construction resumed when a hospital was built and a gymnasium was added for the high school. In the 1950s, Nebraska Central College closed (1953), but a new hospital was built in 1959. In 1975, an explosion and fire destroyed an entire city block, but Central City still reached its largest population to date at 3,083 people in 1980. Central City's population has declined slightly since then.

National Register of Historic Places
Six places in or near Central City are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. To qualify for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, a place (e.g., building, landmark, or location) must be at least 50 years old and have one or more of the following characteristics or associations: historic events, notable people, and/or architecture.

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Former listing

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Nebraska State Historic Places
A number of significant events, people, places, sites, movements, and traditions in Nebraska history are marked by the Nebraska State Historical Society. By law, a marker cannot be erected without permission of the Nebraska State Historical Society. There are currently two such locations marked in Central City: Lone Tree and the Mormon Trail, which passed near the historical location of Lone Tree.

Geography
Central City is in east-central Merrick County, 2 mi northwest of the Platte River. U.S. Route 30, passes through the city as G Street and 16th Street; the highway leads southwest 22 mi to Grand Island and northeast 41 mi to Columbus. Nebraska Highway 14 passes through the center of town as 17th Avenue, leading north 18 mi to Fullerton and south 17 mi to Aurora.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Central City has a total area of 2.44 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,934 people, 1,240 households, and 762 families residing in the city. The population density was 1264.7 PD/sqmi. There were 1,419 housing units at an average density of 611.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.5% white, 0.1% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 1.2% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.5% of the population.

There were 1,240 households, of which 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.5% were non-families. 33.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.94.

The median age in the city was 42.4 years. 24% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.3% were from 25 to 44; 25.7% were from 45 to 64; and 20.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.9% male and 53.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,998 people, 1,212 households, and 812 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,507.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,352 housing units at an average density of 679.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.20% white, 0.40% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.50% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.27% from other races, and 0.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.30% of the population.

There were 1,212 households, out of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.0% were non-families. 30.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 23.2% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 21.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $50,000 and the median income for a family was $39,118. Males had a median income of $27,250 versus $19,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,943. About 6.3% of families and 8.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.2% of those under age 18 and 11.9% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Wright Morris, author and photographer
 * Dick Wagner, Cincinnati Reds executive
 * Bill Wilson, Major League Baseball player

title: Central City, Nebraska