Nuckolls County, Nebraska
Encyclopedia
Nuckolls County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Nebraska
. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 4,500. Its county seat
is Nelson
.
In the Nebraska license plate system, Nuckolls County is represented by the prefix 42 (it had the forty-second-largest number of vehicles registered in the county when the license plate system was established in 1922).
In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
built a branch line from Neva (3 miles west of Strong City
) to Superior, Nebraska
. This branch line connected Strong City
, Neva, Rockland, Diamond Springs, Burdick
, Lost Springs
, Jacobs, Hope
, Navarre
, Enterprise
, Abilene
, Talmage
, Manchester
, Longford
, Oak Hill
, Miltonvale
, Aurora
, Huscher
, Concordia
, Kackley
, Courtland
, Webber
, Superior
. At some point, the line from Neva to Lost Springs
was pulled but the right of way has not been abandoned. This branch line was originally called "Strong City and Superior line" but later the name was shortened to the "Strong City line". In 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
merged with Burlington Northern Railroad
and renamed to the current BNSF Railway
. Most locals still refer to this railroad as the "Santa Fe".
, the county has a total area of 576 square miles (1,491.8 km²), of which, 575 square miles (1,489.2 km²) of it is land and 1 square miles (2.6 km²) of it (0.11%) is water.
of 2000, there were 5,057 people, 2,218 households, and 1,443 families residing in the county. The population density
was 9 people per square mile (3/km²). There were 2,530 housing units at an average density of 4 per square mile (2/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.91% White
, 0.02% Black
or African American
, 0.06% Native American
, 0.16% Asian
, 0.53% from other races
, and 0.32% from two or more races. 1.01% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 2,218 households out of which 26.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.80% were married couples
living together, 4.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.90% were non-families. 32.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.86.
In the county the population was spread out with 23.40% under the age of 18, 5.40% from 18 to 24, 22.50% from 25 to 44, 24.30% from 45 to 64, and 24.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 92.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $28,958, and the median income for a family was $35,018. Males had a median income of $24,533 versus $17,806 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $15,608. About 6.50% of families and 11.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.70% of those under age 18 and 8.90% of those age 65 or over.
(1930-2009), a member of both houses of the Wyoming State Legislature (1979-1986), was born in Nuckolls County. His father, Elton Trowbridge
, also served in the Wyoming House of Representatives
(1961-1974, his death). Elton Trowbridge lived in Nuckolls County at least from 1930-1935, probably earlier.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of 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....
. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 4,500. Its county seat
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....
is Nelson
Nelson, Nebraska
Nelson is a city in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 587 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Nuckolls County.The city was named as the county seat in 1872, and its position survived a challenge by Superior in 1889...
.
In the Nebraska license plate system, Nuckolls County is represented by the prefix 42 (it had the forty-second-largest number of vehicles registered in the county when the license plate system was established in 1922).
19th century
Nuckolls County was formed in 1860. It was named after Stephen F. Nuckolls, an early pioneer in this area.In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway , often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859...
built a branch line from Neva (3 miles west of Strong City
Strong City, Kansas
Strong City is a city in Chase County, Kansas, United States. It is named after William Barstow Strong, former president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 485.-19th century:...
) to Superior, Nebraska
Superior, Nebraska
Superior is a city in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,957.Superior bills itself as the "Victorian Capital of Nebraska", and holds an annual Victorian Festival...
. This branch line connected Strong City
Strong City, Kansas
Strong City is a city in Chase County, Kansas, United States. It is named after William Barstow Strong, former president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 485.-19th century:...
, Neva, Rockland, Diamond Springs, Burdick
Burdick, Kansas
Burdick is an unincorporated community in southwestern Morris County, Kansas, United States. It lies along local roads south-southwest of the city of Council Grove, the county seat of Morris County. Its elevation is 1,453 feet , and it is located at...
, Lost Springs
Lost Springs, Kansas
Lost Springs is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named for the old lost spring near the city. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 70.-19th century:...
, Jacobs, Hope
Hope, Kansas
Hope is a city in southern Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 368. The motto of Hope is "There Will Always Be Hope In Kansas", which is also the name of a song.-History:...
, Navarre
Navarre, Kansas
Navarre is a small unincorporated community in Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. The post office was established February 7, 1884, and discontinued September 3, 1971.-History:...
, Enterprise
Enterprise, Kansas
Enterprise is a city in Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 855.-History:On January 10, 1883, the Enterprise Town Company, capital $50,000, was organized. The following officers were elected: V. P. Wilson, president; John Johntz, vice-president;...
, Abilene
Abilene, Kansas
Abilene is a city in and the county seat of Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 6,844.-History:...
, Talmage
Talmage, Kansas
Talmage is a small unincorporated community in Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. The post office was established December 22, 1887.-History:...
, Manchester
Manchester, Kansas
Manchester is a city in Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 95.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Manchester to Superior, Nebraska...
, Longford
Longford, Kansas
Longford is a city in Clay County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 79.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Longford to Superior, Nebraska...
, Oak Hill
Oak Hill, Kansas
Oak Hill is a city in Clay County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 24.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Oak Hill to Superior, Nebraska...
, Miltonvale
Miltonvale, Kansas
Miltonvale is a city in Cloud County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 539.-History:Miltonvale was founded on December 1, 1881.From 1909 to 1972, it was the home of Miltonvale Wesleyan College....
, Aurora
Aurora, Kansas
Aurora is a city in Cloud County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 60.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Aurora to Superior, Nebraska...
, Huscher
Huscher, Kansas
Huscher is an unincorporated rural area in Cloud County, Kansas, United States.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Huscher to Superior, Nebraska. In 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway merged with Burlington Northern Railroad...
, Concordia
Concordia, Kansas
Concordia is a city in and the county seat of Cloud County, Kansas, United States. Located on the Republican River in the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains, Concordia was founded in 1871 and is an economic and cultural center in north-central Kansas...
, Kackley
Kackley, Kansas
Kackley is an unincorporated rural area in Republic County, Kansas, United States.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Kackley to Superior, Nebraska. In 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway merged with Burlington Northern...
, Courtland
Courtland, Kansas
Courtland is a city in Republic County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 285.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Courtland to Superior, Nebraska...
, Webber
Webber, Kansas
Webber is a city in Jewell County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 25.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Webber to Superior, Nebraska...
, Superior
Superior, Nebraska
Superior is a city in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,957.Superior bills itself as the "Victorian Capital of Nebraska", and holds an annual Victorian Festival...
. At some point, the line from Neva to Lost Springs
Lost Springs, Kansas
Lost Springs is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named for the old lost spring near the city. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 70.-19th century:...
was pulled but the right of way has not been abandoned. This branch line was originally called "Strong City and Superior line" but later the name was shortened to the "Strong City line". In 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway , often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859...
merged with Burlington Northern Railroad
Burlington Northern Railroad
The Burlington Northern Railroad was a United States-based railroad company formed from a merger of four major U.S. railroads. Burlington Northern operated between 1970 and 1996....
and renamed to the current BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway
The BNSF Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is one of seven North American Class I railroads and the second largest freight railroad network in North America, second only to the Union Pacific Railroad, its primary...
. Most locals still refer to this railroad as the "Santa Fe".
Geography
According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited 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 county has a total area of 576 square miles (1,491.8 km²), of which, 575 square miles (1,489.2 km²) of it is land and 1 square miles (2.6 km²) of it (0.11%) is water.
Adjacent counties
- Clay County, NebraskaClay County, Nebraska-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 7,039 people, 2,756 households, and 1,981 families residing in the county. The population density was 12 people per square mile . There were 3,066 housing units at an average density of 5 per square mile...
- north - Fillmore County, NebraskaFillmore County, Nebraska-Hunting:Fillmore is popular with hunters of pheasant, deer, Canada goose and other popular game animals.-Organizations:Fillmore County is home to a nonprofit organization which promotes education and the development of habitat for butterflies in Nebraska....
- northeast - Thayer County, NebraskaThayer County, Nebraska-History:Thayer County was formed in 1872. It was named after the General and Governor John Milton Thayer.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 6,055 people, 2,541 households, and 1,689 families residing in the county. The population density was 10 people per square mile . There were...
- east - Republic County, KansasRepublic County, KansasRepublic County is a county located in the state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 4,980. The largest city and county seat is Belleville.-19th century:...
- southeast - Jewell County, KansasJewell County, KansasJewell County is a county located in North Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 3,077. Its county seat and most populous city is Mankato.-19th century:...
- southwest - Webster County, NebraskaWebster County, Nebraska-History:Webster County was formed in 1871. It was named after the statesman Daniel Webster.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 4,061 people, 1,708 households, and 1,118 families residing in the county. The population density was 7 people per square mile . There were 1,972 housing...
- west
Cities and villages
- AngusAngus, NebraskaAngus is an unincorporated village in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, United States about 7 miles south of Edgar. A sod house was built there in 1967 to celebrate the town's centennial. A small piece of wall with a window remained as late as 2006, but may have fallen since.-External links:**...
- HardyHardy, NebraskaHardy is a village in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 179 at the 2000 census.- Geography :Hardy is located at ....
- LawrenceLawrence, NebraskaLawrence is a village in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 312 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Lawrence is located at ....
- NelsonNelson, NebraskaNelson is a city in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 587 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Nuckolls County.The city was named as the county seat in 1872, and its position survived a challenge by Superior in 1889...
- NoraNora, NebraskaNora is a village in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 20 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Nora is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of , all of it land....
- OakOak, NebraskaOak is a village in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 60 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Oak is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of , all of it land....
- RuskinRuskin, NebraskaRuskin is a village in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 195 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Ruskin is located at ....
- SuperiorSuperior, NebraskaSuperior is a city in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,957.Superior bills itself as the "Victorian Capital of Nebraska", and holds an annual Victorian Festival...
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 5,057 people, 2,218 households, and 1,443 families residing in the county. 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 9 people per square mile (3/km²). There were 2,530 housing units at an average density of 4 per square mile (2/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.91% White
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...
, 0.02% Black
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...
or African American
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...
, 0.06% Native American
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...
, 0.16% Asian
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...
, 0.53% 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 0.32% from two or more races. 1.01% of the population were Hispanic
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...
or Latino
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...
of any race.
There were 2,218 households out of which 26.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.80% 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, 4.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.90% were non-families. 32.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.86.
In the county the population was spread out with 23.40% under the age of 18, 5.40% from 18 to 24, 22.50% from 25 to 44, 24.30% from 45 to 64, and 24.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 92.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $28,958, and the median income for a family was $35,018. Males had a median income of $24,533 versus $17,806 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 county was $15,608. About 6.50% of families and 11.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.70% of those under age 18 and 8.90% of those age 65 or over.
Transportation
Major highways-
U.S. Highway 136 -
Nebraska Highway 4Nebraska Highway 4Nebraska Highway 4 is a highway in Nebraska. The entirety of the route is in Nebraska's southern tier of counties. Beatrice is the only city with over 1,000 in population on the highway. Its western terminus is at an intersection with US 6 and US 34 southwest of Atlanta... -
Nebraska Highway 8Nebraska Highway 8Nebraska Highway 8 is a highway in southern and southeastern Nebraska. Its western terminus is at Nebraska Highway 14 in Superior and its eastern terminus is at U.S. Highway 73 in Falls City... -
Nebraska Highway 14Nebraska Highway 14Nebraska Highway 14 is a highway in Nebraska. It has a southern terminus at the Kansas border southwest of Superior and a northern terminus east of Niobrara at the South Dakota border.-Route description:...
Notable people
Thomas E. TrowbridgeThomas E. Trowbridge
Thomas E. Trowbridge, known as Tom Trowbridge , originally a dairy farmer from Carbon County, Wyoming, served as a Democrat in both houses of the Wyoming State Legislature from 1979 to 1986. He was a member of the Wyoming House of Representatives for two two-year terms, and he served a single...
(1930-2009), a member of both houses of the Wyoming State Legislature (1979-1986), was born in Nuckolls County. His father, Elton Trowbridge
Elton Trowbridge
Elton F. Trowbridge was a dairy farmer from Carbon County, Wyoming, who served as a Democrat in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1961 until his death during his seventh consecutive two-year term....
, also served in the Wyoming House of Representatives
Wyoming House of Representatives
The Wyoming House of Representatives is the lower house of the Wyoming State Legislature. There are 60 Representatives in the House, representing an equal amount of single-member constituent districts across the state, each with a population of at least 9,000. The House convenes at the Wyoming...
(1961-1974, his death). Elton Trowbridge lived in Nuckolls County at least from 1930-1935, probably earlier.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Nuckolls County, Nebraska