Gage County, Nebraska
Beatrice Chautauqua Pavilion and Gatehouse
Beatrice City Library
Beatrice Downtown Historic District
Beatrice Municipal Auditorium
Big Indian Creek Bridge
Bloody Run Bridge
Bridge
Burlington Northern Depot
Christ Church Episcopal
DeWitt Flour Mills and King Iron Bridge
Dole, Marion and Ruth Ann, House
Farmers State Bank
Filley, Elijah, Stone Barn
First Commercial Bank
First Trinity Lutheran Church
Gage County Courthouse
Homestead National Monument of America
Hoyt Street Bridge
Institution for Feeble Minded Youth Farm
Johnson Cabin Museum
Kilpatrick, Samuel D., House
Lake Bridenthal House
Mission Creek Bridge
North Eleventh Street Historic District
North Seventh Street Historic District
Paddock Hotel
Purdy, Rachel Kilpatrick, House
Schmuck, J., Block
A Legacy of Change
A Prairie Reborn
Beatrice Veterans Memorial Wall of Honor
Beatrice's Own - Civil War and the Spanish-American War
Beatrice's Own - Company C 134th Infantry Regiment Nebraska National Guard
Boundaries of Freedom
Civil War and Spanish War Memorial
Close Quarters
Containing Communism - The Berlin and Cuban Crises and Vietnam
Daniel and Agnes Freeman
Deep Roots in the Earth
Do You Live Near a Homestead?
Fighting Communism - Korea and the Cold War
Founding of Beatrice, Nebraska Territory
Freedom Fighters
Gage County Veterans Memorial
Homesteading: The Cry was Free Land!!!
Homesteading's Legacy is Written on the Land
Is All Barbed Wire the Same?
Railroads: Union Pacific & Burlington Northern
Replica of the Statue of Liberty
River Town Development
Roads to Success
Robert Taylor
Success Was Only Natural
The De Roin & Oregon Trails
The Homestead Heritage Center
The Oto and Missouri Agency
Veterans Memorial Drive
Walk in Their Shoes
War Efforts at Home
World War I
World War II
In 1854, Gage County was officially established and named after William D. Gage, a prominent attorney and politician. The county quickly attracted settlers due to the fertile soil and ample opportunities for farming. Small towns and communities began to emerge, with Beatrice becoming the county seat and the largest city in the area.
The late 19th century brought significant developments to Gage County. The construction of railroads in the area opened new markets for agricultural products, allowing the county's economy to thrive. The city of Beatrice became a hub for trade and commerce, attracting businesses and industries. Immigrants from various European countries settled in Gage County, bringing their cultural influence and adding to the area's diversity.
One significant event in Gage County's history occurred on December 1, 1958, when a devastating tornado hit Beatrice. Known as the "Beatrice Tornado," it caused widespread destruction, killing 21 people and injuring over 200. However, this tragedy brought the community together, and the city rebuilt and flourished in the following years.
Today, Gage County remains an important agricultural region in Nebraska, with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The county maintains its small-town charm while embracing modern developments and offering a high quality of life for its residents.
Brief timeline of the history of Gage County, Nebraska:
- 1854: Gage County is established by the Nebraska Territorial Legislature.
- 1857: The county's first settlement, Filley, is established.
- 1864: The county seat is moved from Filley to Beatrice.
- 1872: The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad reaches Beatrice, boosting economic growth.
- 1873: The Gage County Courthouse, which still stands today, is completed.
- 1883: The Nebraska School for the Deaf is established in Beatrice.
- 1890: The Nebraska Odd Fellows' Home, a retirement home, is built in Beatrice.
- 1926: The Veterans Memorial Hall is constructed in Beatrice to honor local veterans.
- 1961: The Homestead National Monument of America is established in Gage County.
- 1996: Beatrice hosts the National Orphan Train Complex, dedicated to the history of orphan trains.
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Gage County, Nebraska.