Historical Markers in
Buffalo County, Nebraska

Baldwin Engine 481 Boyd House Buffalo County’s Lincoln Highway Seedling Mile Civilian Conservation Corps Dr. Paul Ambrose Empress Theatre First Buffalo County Court House German Baptist Church of the Brethren Gibbon Gibbon Good Samaritan Air Crew Historic Kearney Historic Platte Valley Hostetler Amphitheatre In Honor of D. E. "Mac" McGregor Joseph E. Johnson and the Huntsman’s Echo Kearney Kearney Civil War and Spanish-American War Memorial Kearney Cotton Mill Kearney State College Memorial Carillon Tower Loup River Freighter Hotel Meisner Bank Building Memorial Tree Nebraska Centre - Boyd Ranche Old Oregon Trail Pleasanton Branch Union Pacific Railroad Post South Loup Fork Shelton Pioneers Shelton Union Pacific Depot Site of Bauer Drug The Frank House The Great Platte River Road The Soldiers Free Homestead Colony The Watson Ranch University of Nebraska at Kearney
The University of Nebraska was founded in 1869, just two years after Nebraska became a state.
Nebraska random facts
Buffalo County, located in the state of Nebraska, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Pawnee and Sioux. These tribes relied on the Platte River for hunting, fishing, and transportation.

European exploration of the area began in the early 18th century, with French trappers and traders venturing into the region. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that Buffalo County saw significant settlement. The passage of the Homestead Act in 1862, which allowed settlers to claim up to 160 acres of land, led to a wave of migration into the area. Many immigrants from Europe, primarily German and Scandinavian immigrants, flocked to Buffalo County in search of a better life.

The construction of the Union Pacific Railroad in the 1860s greatly influenced Buffalo County's growth. The railroad provided a direct link to larger cities and markets, making the transportation of goods and people much easier. This led to the development of small towns along the railroad lines, such as Kearney, the county seat of Buffalo County. Kearney quickly became a hub for trade and commerce, attracting businesses and industries to the area.

Throughout its history, agriculture has been the backbone of Buffalo County's economy. The fertile soils, combined with the region's ample water supply from the Platte River, have made it ideal for farming. In the early years, settlers primarily engaged in subsistence farming, growing crops for their own consumption. However, as technology advanced and transportation improved, Buffalo County became known for its production of corn, soybeans, and beef cattle.

Today, Buffalo County continues to thrive as a vibrant and diverse community. It boasts a strong agricultural sector, a thriving retail and manufacturing industry, and a variety of educational and cultural institutions. The county's history is celebrated and preserved through the numerous museums and historical sites that showcase its past. Buffalo County remains a testament to the hard work and perseverance of its early settlers, who transformed a vast prairie into a prosperous and thriving community.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Buffalo County, Nebraska.

  • 1830s - Native American tribes, including the Pawnee and Omaha, inhabit the land that is now Buffalo County.
  • 1846 - The area becomes part of the Nebraska Territory after the United States acquires the land through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
  • 1860 - Buffalo County is established and named after the herds of buffalo that roamed the region in the past.
  • 1871 - The city of Kearney is founded as the county seat.
  • 1873 - The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad is constructed, which helps spur growth and economic development in Buffalo County.
  • 1882 - The University of Nebraska at Kearney is established, becoming an important educational institution in the region.
  • 1888 - Buffalo County Agricultural Society is formed to promote agricultural practices and hold annual county fairs.
  • 1915 - Fort Kearny State Historical Park is established to preserve the history of the nearby fort and provide recreational opportunities.
  • 1930s - Buffalo County experiences the effects of the Great Depression, leading to economic challenges and government intervention.
  • 1942-1945 - The Kearney Army Airfield is constructed and serves as a training base for thousands of World War II pilots.
  • 1976 - The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument is built near Kearney, commemorating the area's role in westward expansion.
  • 1997 - The Nebraska Firefighters Museum & Education Center opens, honoring the dedication and bravery of firefighters.
  • 2019 - Buffalo County celebrates its sesquicentennial, marking 150 years since its establishment.