Cities and Towns in Chase County, Nebraska
Founded in 1873, Chase County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Chase County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Imperial is the county seat. With FIPS code of 29, Chase County has a population of 3,826 and area of 894 square miles (2,315 km²).
List of all cities in Chase County, NE alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Champion, NE | 69023 | 308 |
| Enders, NE | 69027 | 308 |
| Imperial, NE | 69033 | 308 |
| Lamar, NE | 69023 | 308 |
| Wauneta, NE | 69045 | 308 |
Major Cities and Towns in Chase County, Nebraska
Imperial
Location and History
- Area: 1.16 square miles
- Population: 2,000 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 69033
- Latitude: 40.5945° N
- Longitude: 101.6157° W
Imperial, located in southwestern Nebraska, serves as the county seat of Chase County. Founded in 1881, the city was named after the Imperial Valley in California due to its anticipated potential for agriculture. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1880s helped establish the town as a central trading hub in the region, connecting it to larger markets. Imperial’s economy is historically rooted in agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and dryland farming. The city grew steadily through the 20th century, with several waves of development during the oil booms in the 1920s and 1940s. As a key service center for surrounding rural communities, Imperial retains its small-town charm while serving as a regional economic and cultural center.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Imperial is served by the Chase County Schools district, which includes Chase County High School and Chase County Middle School. The district offers a variety of academic programs, including sports, music, and extracurricular activities. Landmarks in Imperial include the Chase County Courthouse, a historic building in the heart of the downtown area, and the Imperial City Park, which provides recreational opportunities such as a walking trail, playgrounds, and sports fields. The Enders Reservoir is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation, while the Pony Express Station near Imperial pays homage to the famous Pony Express route, which passed through the area in the 1860s. Additionally, the Prairie View Golf Course offers leisure activities and a scenic view of the surrounding Nebraska Sandhills. The Old West Trail and Cimarron River also attract tourists interested in the area’s history and natural beauty.
Wauneta
Location and History
- Area: 0.44 square miles
- Population: 500 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 69045
- Latitude: 40.4536° N
- Longitude: 101.4822° W
Wauneta is a small village located in the western part of Chase County, Nebraska. The town was established in 1883 and named after a Sioux Indian word meaning “chief” or “great leader.” Wauneta grew as a rural agricultural community, supported by the fertile land in the area, which was perfect for farming and ranching. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s helped to boost the town’s growth, as it facilitated the transport of agricultural products. Over time, Wauneta became known as a center for the region’s cattle industry and continues to maintain its rural agricultural roots. The town’s history is closely tied to the economic cycles of farming and ranching, and it remains an integral part of the agricultural community in Chase County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wauneta is served by the Wauneta-Palisade Schools district, which includes Wauneta High School and Wauneta Elementary School. The school district is known for its strong academic programs, including sports teams and extracurricular activities. Major landmarks in Wauneta include the Wauneta Historical Museum, which offers exhibits on the town’s early days, including its founding, agricultural history, and the influence of the railroad. The Wauneta Community Center serves as a gathering place for local events, while the Wauneta City Park provides a space for outdoor recreation, including a playground and picnic area. Nearby, the Wauneta Mill is a historic landmark, reflecting the town’s early economy centered around agriculture. The town is also known for hosting the annual Wauneta Fall Festival, which celebrates the local community with parades, games, and agricultural exhibits. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Enders Reservoir is a nearby recreation area offering fishing, boating, and camping opportunities.
Lamar
Location and History
- Area: 0.33 square miles
- Population: 100 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 69026
- Latitude: 40.4861° N
- Longitude: 101.4167° W
Lamar is a small unincorporated community located in the northeastern part of Chase County. Originally established as a railroad stop in the early 1900s, Lamar’s early economy was built around the transportation and shipping of agricultural products, particularly grain and livestock. As a rural settlement, it has always had a strong agricultural base, with local farms and ranches forming the backbone of the economy. The town was named after the Lamar family, who were early settlers in the area. Over time, Lamar has remained a quiet, peaceful community, with a very small population that fluctuates with the region’s agricultural cycles. Though small, it is one of the more historic settlements in the county, with deep ties to Nebraska’s early days as a farming and ranching hub.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lamar does not have its own school but is part of the Chase County School District, with children attending schools in nearby Imperial. The area around Lamar features scenic farmland and the Pony Express Trail, which runs through parts of the county. There are also historical landmarks related to the early settlement of the area, such as the Lamar Cemetery, which holds the graves of many of the town’s first residents. As a small rural community, Lamar is known for its close-knit population, and its major “landmark” is really the surrounding agricultural land that defines the town’s character. Additionally, the town is located near Enders Reservoir, a popular recreation spot for fishing, boating, and camping.
Champion
Location and History
- Area: 0.53 square miles
- Population: 100 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 69023
- Latitude: 40.4658° N
- Longitude: 101.6192° W
Champion is a very small village located in the northeastern part of Chase County, Nebraska. Established in the early 20th century, Champion’s economy was primarily based on agriculture, with local farms growing crops like corn, wheat, and alfalfa, as well as raising livestock. The town’s small size and rural location have meant that it has remained a quiet, agricultural community with a limited number of residents. In the early years, Champion was an important stop for travelers and traders, and it was once home to several businesses that served the surrounding farming community. However, over time, as larger towns like Imperial grew, Champion remained a small, close-knit village. Today, Champion maintains its rural charm while supporting agriculture as its main industry.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Champion is part of the Chase County School District, with children attending schools in nearby Imperial. There are few formal landmarks in Champion, but the surrounding agricultural fields and rural setting provide an essential backdrop to life in the community. Champion Park, located on the edge of town, offers a small recreational area with picnic tables and open space for local events. For visitors interested in history, the Champion Cemetery provides insight into the town’s earliest settlers. Nearby, Enders Reservoir is a major point of interest for those seeking outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and hiking. The area surrounding Champion is rich in history related to the development of agriculture in the region.
