History of Nebraska City

Early exploration was reported in 1804 by Lewis & Clark as they journeyed across the west discovering the beautiful Missouri River. Nebraska City was the original site of Old Fort Kearny, a military post used by the government in 1846. It was relocated to central Nebraska several years later.

Shortly after the post was vacated, John Boulware developed an important river-crossing and ferry service from Iowa to present-day Nebraska City. He and his father grew their business and built a ferry house, the first residence in Nebraska City.

In 1854 the Kansas-Nebraska Act allowed legal settlement in the area, and three townships were incorporated: Nebraska City, Kearney City, and South Nebraska City. On December 31, 1857, these three town sites, along with Prairie City, joined to form present day Nebraska City.

In the mid 1800s, steamboats were the vital force behind Nebraska City’s growth—bringing commerce, people, and freight to the west. In the spring of 1858 Russell, Majors and Waddell started freighting from Nebraska City on a government contract to transport all provisions for all western forts. The supplies were brought up the Missouri River by steamboat and then taken out by wagon train. Nebraska City's favorable position and good trail made it an important link to the west.

From there, the city was established as a regional transportation, economic, and agricultural hub for the three-state area.

Julius Sterling Morton came to Nebraska City in 1855 to edit the Nebraska City News. He and his wife Caroline, originally from Michigan, were nature lovers. Morton was instrumental in establishing the annual tree planting day, Arbor Day, in 1872. And to this day, Nebraska City is fondly known as the Home of Arbor Day.

With more than 300 historic sites and buildings, Nebraska City is certainly known today for its rich heritage but is also embracing its future.