North Platte, Nebraska
Encyclopedia
North Platte is a city in and the county seat
of Lincoln County
, Nebraska
, United States
. It is located in the southwestern part of the state, along Interstate 80
, at the confluence of the North
and South
Platte Rivers forming the Platte River
. The population was 24,733 at the 2010 census.
North Platte is a railroad
town; Union Pacific Railroad
's large Bailey Yard
is located within the city. Today, North Platte is served only by freight trains, but during World War II
the city was famous for the North Platte Canteen
. Tens of thousands of volunteers from North Platte and surrounding towns met the troop trains passing through North Platte, offering coffee, sandwiches and hospitality.
North Platte is the principal city of the North Platte Micropolitan Statistical Area
, which includes Lincoln, Logan
, and McPherson
counties.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 10.6 square miles (27.5 km²), of which 10.5 square miles (27.2 km²) is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) (1.04%) is water.
(Köppen
Dfa) with moderately long, cold and dry winters and hot, relatively wet summers. Precipitation is low, with an annual average of 19.3 inches (490.2 mm), but is not low enough for North Platte's climate to be classified as semi-arid.
of 2000, there were 23,878 people, 9,944 households, and 6,224 families residing in the city. The population density
was 2,281.5 people per square mile (880.5/km²). There were 10,718 housing units at an average density of 1,024.1 per square mile (395.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 93.47% White, 0.71% African American, 0.64% Native American, 0.39% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 3.30% from other races
, and 1.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.68% of the population.
There were 9,944 households out of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% were married couples
living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the city the population was spread out with 26.0% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $34,181, and the median income for a family was $42,753. Males had a median income of $36,445 versus $20,157 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $18,306. About 7.8% of families and 10.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.2% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.
. The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center is an eight story building which overlooks the expansive railroad staging area. The tower and visitor center are open to the public year-round.
Lincoln County Historical Museum contains a display detailing the history of the North Platte Canteen
, which greeted 6.5 million service personnel from Christmas Day 1941 through April 1, 1946. It also contains a Prairie Village with local landmark homes and other buildings, including a Pony Express
station and pioneer church among many others.
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
is located near North Platte, a Nebraska living history park about Buffalo Bill Cody. The park includes his actual house known as Scout's Rest Ranch. The park is two miles west of U.S. Highway 83
along U.S. Highway 30
.
Every June, North Platte hosts the annual "Nebraskaland Days". The event includes parades, art shows, rodeos, concerts, and food events. It draws over 100,000 attendees every year.
The Miss Nebraska Scholarship Program was moved to North Platte in 1984. The pageant is held every June and provides thousands of dollars annually to young women. Teresa Scanlan was crowned Miss Nebraska on June 12,2010 in North Platte and then was crowned the 90th anniversary Miss America in Las Vegas, NV on January 15, 2011.
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Lincoln County
Lincoln County, Nebraska
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 34,632 people, 14,076 households, and 9,444 families residing in the county. The population density was 14 people per square mile . There are 15,438 housing units in Lincoln....
, Nebraska
Nebraska
Nebraska is a state on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha, on the Missouri River....
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It is located in the southwestern part of the state, along Interstate 80
Interstate 80
Interstate 80 is the second-longest Interstate Highway in the United States, following Interstate 90. It is a transcontinental artery running from downtown San Francisco, California to Teaneck, New Jersey in the New York City Metropolitan Area...
, at the confluence of the North
North Platte River
The North Platte River is a major tributary of the Platte River and is approximately long counting its many curves, It travels about distance. Its course lies in the U.S...
and South
South Platte River
The South Platte River is one of the two principal tributaries of the Platte River and itself a major river of the American Midwest and the American Southwest/Mountain West, located in the U.S. states of Colorado and Nebraska...
Platte Rivers forming the Platte River
Platte River
The Platte River is a major river in the state of Nebraska and is about long. Measured to its farthest source via its tributary the North Platte River, it flows for over . The Platte River is a tributary of the Missouri River, which in turn is a tributary of the Mississippi River which flows to...
. The population was 24,733 at the 2010 census.
North Platte is a railroad
Rail transport
Rail transport is a means of conveyance of passengers and goods by way of wheeled vehicles running on rail tracks. In contrast to road transport, where vehicles merely run on a prepared surface, rail vehicles are also directionally guided by the tracks they run on...
town; Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad
The Union Pacific Railroad , headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is the largest railroad network in the United States. James R. Young is president, CEO and Chairman....
's large Bailey Yard
Bailey Yard
Bailey Yard is the world’s largest railroad classification yard. Owned and operated by the Union Pacific Railroad , Bailey Yard is located in North Platte, Nebraska. The yard is named after former Union Pacific President Edd H. Bailey....
is located within the city. Today, North Platte is served only by freight trains, but during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
the city was famous for the North Platte Canteen
North Platte Canteen
The North Platte Canteen was a railroad stop manned by local citizens of North Platte, Nebraska, United States that operated from Christmas Day 1941 to April 1, 1946...
. Tens of thousands of volunteers from North Platte and surrounding towns met the troop trains passing through North Platte, offering coffee, sandwiches and hospitality.
North Platte is the principal city of the North Platte Micropolitan Statistical Area
North Platte Micropolitan Statistical Area
The North Platte Micropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, is an area consisting of three counties in Nebraska, anchored by the city of North Platte....
, which includes Lincoln, Logan
Logan County, Nebraska
-History:Logan County was formed in 1885. It was named after the Union General John A. Logan.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 774 people, 316 households, and 229 families residing in the county. The population density was 1 people per square mile . There were 386 housing units...
, and McPherson
McPherson County, Nebraska
-History:McPherson County was formed in 1887. It was named after Union General James B. McPherson.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 533 people, 202 households, and 157 families residing in the county. The population density was 1 people per square mile . There were 283 housing...
counties.
Geography
North Platte is located at 41°8′9"N 100°46′14"W (41.135914, -100.770501).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 10.6 square miles (27.5 km²), of which 10.5 square miles (27.2 km²) is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) (1.04%) is water.
Climate
North Platte experiences a dry continental climateHumid continental climate
A humid continental climate is a climatic region typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot summers and cold winters....
(Köppen
Köppen climate classification
The Köppen climate classification is one of the most widely used climate classification systems. It was first published by Crimea German climatologist Wladimir Köppen in 1884, with several later modifications by Köppen himself, notably in 1918 and 1936...
Dfa) with moderately long, cold and dry winters and hot, relatively wet summers. Precipitation is low, with an annual average of 19.3 inches (490.2 mm), but is not low enough for North Platte's climate to be classified as semi-arid.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 23,878 people, 9,944 households, and 6,224 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 2,281.5 people per square mile (880.5/km²). There were 10,718 housing units at an average density of 1,024.1 per square mile (395.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 93.47% White, 0.71% African American, 0.64% Native American, 0.39% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 3.30% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.68% of the population.
There were 9,944 households out of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the city the population was spread out with 26.0% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $34,181, and the median income for a family was $42,753. Males had a median income of $36,445 versus $20,157 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $18,306. About 7.8% of families and 10.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.2% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.
Points of interest
North Platte is home to the world's largest railyard, Bailey YardBailey Yard
Bailey Yard is the world’s largest railroad classification yard. Owned and operated by the Union Pacific Railroad , Bailey Yard is located in North Platte, Nebraska. The yard is named after former Union Pacific President Edd H. Bailey....
. The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center is an eight story building which overlooks the expansive railroad staging area. The tower and visitor center are open to the public year-round.
Lincoln County Historical Museum contains a display detailing the history of the North Platte Canteen
North Platte Canteen
The North Platte Canteen was a railroad stop manned by local citizens of North Platte, Nebraska, United States that operated from Christmas Day 1941 to April 1, 1946...
, which greeted 6.5 million service personnel from Christmas Day 1941 through April 1, 1946. It also contains a Prairie Village with local landmark homes and other buildings, including a Pony Express
Pony Express
The Pony Express was a fast mail service crossing the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the High Sierra from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, from April 3, 1860 to October 1861...
station and pioneer church among many others.
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, also known as Scout's Rest Ranch, is a living history park located west of North Platte, Nebraska....
is located near North Platte, a Nebraska living history park about Buffalo Bill Cody. The park includes his actual house known as Scout's Rest Ranch. The park is two miles west of U.S. Highway 83
U.S. Route 83
U.S. Route 83 is one of the longest north–south U.S. Highways in the United States, at . Only four other north–south routes are longer: U.S. Routes 1, 41, 59 and 87. The highway's northern terminus is north of Westhope, North Dakota, at the Canadian border, where it continues as...
along U.S. Highway 30
U.S. Route 30
U.S. Route 30 is an east–west main route of the system of United States Numbered Highways, with the highway traveling across the northern tier of the country. It is the third longest U.S. route, after U.S. Route 20 and U.S. Route 6. The western end of the highway is at Astoria, Oregon; the...
.
Every June, North Platte hosts the annual "Nebraskaland Days". The event includes parades, art shows, rodeos, concerts, and food events. It draws over 100,000 attendees every year.
The Miss Nebraska Scholarship Program was moved to North Platte in 1984. The pageant is held every June and provides thousands of dollars annually to young women. Teresa Scanlan was crowned Miss Nebraska on June 12,2010 in North Platte and then was crowned the 90th anniversary Miss America in Las Vegas, NV on January 15, 2011.
UFO Incidents In North Platte Area
Two deputies investigated the sighting of unidentified flying objects in the sky south of Brady Nov. 21, 2008 according to Lincoln County Sheriff Jerome Kramer. Although both deputies and the man who called to report the lights dancing in the sky observed them for more than 15 minutes, they could offer no explanation about what they were.Notable natives and residents
- Howard BaskervilleHoward BaskervilleHoward Conklin Baskerville was an American teacher in the Presbyterian mission school in Tabriz, Iran, who died fighting for Iranian democracy. He has been called the "American Lafayette in Iran." ...
- Mobster Henry HillHenry Hill (mobster)Henry Hill is a former American mobster, Lucchese crime family associate, and FBI informant whose life story was documented in the book Wiseguy, written by crime reporter Nicholas Pileggi, and in the 1990 Martin Scorsese film, Goodfellas, in which Hill was played by Ray Liotta.-Early life:Henry...
used to work as a cook in North Platte. - The popular big bandBig bandA big band is a type of musical ensemble associated with jazz and the Swing Era typically consisting of rhythm, brass, and woodwind instruments totaling approximately twelve to twenty-five musicians...
leader Glenn MillerGlenn MillerAlton Glenn Miller was an American jazz musician , arranger, composer, and bandleader in the swing era. He was one of the best-selling recording artists from 1939 to 1943, leading one of the best known "Big Bands"...
lived in North Platte during his childhood and started his musical career there when his father bought him a mandolinMandolinA mandolin is a musical instrument in the lute family . It descends from the mandore, a soprano member of the lute family. The mandolin soundboard comes in many shapes—but generally round or teardrop-shaped, sometimes with scrolls or other projections. A mandolin may have f-holes, or a single...
. - San Francisco Bay Area disc jockey Dr. Don Rose, was born and raised in North Platte and frequently referred to the city on his morning show.
- Ryan SchultzRyan SchultzRyan James Schultz is an American mixed martial artist. Before the closing of the International Fight League, he was the promotion's Lightweight Champion.-Biography:...
, professional mixed martial artist, Lightweight Champion of defunct IFLInternational Fight LeagueThe International Fight League was an American mixed martial arts promotion billed as the world's first MMA league. It was founded on January 7, 2006 and closed on July 31, 2008... - Nebraska Senator Chuck HagelChuck HagelCharles Timothy "Chuck" Hagel is a former United States Senator from Nebraska. A member of the Republican Party, he was first elected in 1996 and was reelected in 2002...
was born in North Platte. - Professional football player Danny WoodheadDanny WoodheadDanny Woodhead is an American football running back for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Chadron State....
attended North Platte High School - Chief Red CloudRed CloudRed Cloud , was a war leader and the head Chief of the Oglala Lakota . His reign was from 1868 to 1909...
, Sioux warrior, was born near North Platte in 1822. - Former PBR bull rider Mark Ward, 4-time qualifier to the PBR World Finals (1999–2001, 2004), currently a stock contractorStock contractorA Stock contractor is an individual or business that provides animals for rodeo competition. Stock contractors supply "rough stock" - Saddle bronc and bareback bronc horses and bull riding bulls, plus steers for steer wrestling and team roping, plus calves for calf roping events...
. - PBR/PRCAProfessional Rodeo Cowboys AssociationThe Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is an organization whose members compete in rodeos throughout North America, primarily in the United States. The PRCA sanctions rodeo venues and events through the PRCA Circuit System. Its championship event is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo...
bull rider Dustin Elliott, 2-time PBR World Finals qualifier (2007–08), and 2004 PRCA World Champion bull rider. - Nathan EnderleNathan EnderleNathan Enderle is a professional football player, a quarterback with the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played college football at Idaho, where he was a four-year starter.-Early years:...
was selected by the Chicago BearsChicago BearsThe Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL draft.
Further reading
- Once Upon a Town: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen, Bob Greene, Morrow/Avon, 2002, hardcover, 256 pages, ISBN 0-06-008196-1
External links
- Nebraskaland Days Annual Celebration
- The Golden Spike Tower & Visitor Center
- North Platte Telegraph
- North Platte Bulletin - North Platte's Favorite Newspaper
- City of North Platte
- North Platte Area Chamber of Commerce
- North Platte Lincoln County Convention and Visitors Bureau
- North Platte Canteen
- Rae Wilson Sleight and North Platte Canteen