Cities and Towns in Dixon County, Nebraska

Founded in 1856, Dixon County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Dixon County was formed from Blackbird County, Izard County, and unorganized territory. The city of Ponca is the county seat. With FIPS code of 51, Dixon County has a population of 5,545 and area of 476 square miles (1,233 km²).

List of all cities in Dixon County, NE alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Concord, NE	68728	402
Dixon, NE	68732	402
Martinsburg, NE	68710	402
Maskell, NE	68751	402
Newcastle, NE	68757	402
Obert, NE	68757	402
Ponca, NE	68770	402
Wakefield, NE	68784	402
Waterbury, NE	68785	402

Major Cities and Towns in Dixon County, Nebraska

Ponca

Location and History

• Area: 1.26 square miles
• Population: 1,100 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 68770
• Latitude: 42.6005° N
• Longitude: 96.6255° W

Ponca, the county seat of Dixon County, is located in the northeastern corner of Nebraska, along the Missouri River and near the border with Iowa. Established in the 1850s, the town was originally a trading post and settlement for pioneers moving west along the Lewis and Clark Trail. Ponca’s early history is deeply intertwined with the Native American tribes of the region, particularly the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, after which the town is named. The town grew rapidly in the late 19th century with the arrival of the railroad, and it became a vital trade center for agricultural goods. Ponca continued to develop as an agricultural hub, with farming and livestock production being central to the local economy. Today, Ponca remains a small but vibrant community, where residents continue to take pride in its historical roots and strong ties to agriculture. The town is also known for its scenic views of the Missouri River and its proximity to state parks and wildlife reserves, making it a desirable location for outdoor enthusiasts.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Ponca is served by the Ponca Public Schools district, which includes Ponca High School, Ponca Middle School, and Ponca Elementary School. The district is known for its strong academic programs, as well as its extracurricular activities, particularly in sports and music. Major landmarks in Ponca include the Ponca State Park, a scenic location that offers hiking trails, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing, along with panoramic views of the Missouri River. The Ponca Historical Museum showcases the town’s rich history, including exhibits on Native American heritage, early pioneers, and the role of the railroad in the town’s development. Another notable landmark is the Missouri River, which offers recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. The Ponca Public Library serves as a hub for community activities and educational programs. The town is also home to the Ponca City Park, a central gathering place that features playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. Ponca’s historical charm and natural beauty, combined with its community-focused atmosphere, make it a unique and welcoming place to visit and live.

Allen

Location and History

• Area: 0.61 square miles
• Population: 500 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 68710
• Latitude: 42.4664° N
• Longitude: 96.4740° W

Allen is a small village located in southeastern Dixon County, Nebraska, about 10 miles north of Ponca and just west of the Missouri River. Allen was founded in the early 1880s and was initially settled by agricultural families looking for fertile farmland along the Missouri River Valley. The town grew around a post office and a grain elevator, which were critical to the local economy. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Allen’s economy was primarily based on farming, with a focus on crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans, as well as livestock production. The town’s population remained small but steady, and Allen retained its rural character, even as nearby towns and cities developed more rapidly. Over time, Allen became known for its tight-knit community and rural charm, with the farming industry continuing to be a driving force in the local economy. Today, Allen is a peaceful village with a population that has remained relatively stable, offering a slower pace of life and a strong connection to agriculture.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Allen is part of the Allen Consolidated Schools district, which includes Allen High School, Allen Middle School, and Allen Elementary School. The district offers a variety of educational programs and extracurricular opportunities, with strong athletics and a focus on community involvement. Notable landmarks in Allen include the Allen Community Park, which features a playground, sports fields, and a walking track, providing residents with space for outdoor recreation. The Allen Historical Society maintains a small museum that showcases the history of the village and the surrounding area, including exhibits on the town’s early settlers and agricultural development. The Missouri River is also a significant natural feature, offering outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking along its banks. The Allen Memorial Hall is another key landmark, serving as a venue for local events, community meetings, and celebrations. Allen is known for its annual Allen Days Festival, which includes a parade, games, food, and local entertainment, bringing the community together to celebrate its history and rural way of life.

Martinsburg

Location and History

• Area: 0.48 square miles
• Population: 100 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 68760
• Latitude: 42.6022° N
• Longitude: 96.4341° W

Martinsburg is a small village in Dixon County, located just a few miles east of Allen and near the Missouri River. The town was founded in the late 1800s and was originally established as an agricultural settlement. Named after a prominent early settler, Martin Stark, Martinsburg grew as a result of its fertile soil and its location along the river, which allowed for easy access to transportation and trade. In its early years, Martinsburg served as a shipping point for agricultural products, including grain, livestock, and dairy. Over the decades, the town’s population remained small, but it became known for its rural charm and the strength of its agricultural community. Martinsburg’s economy continued to be based on farming, and it remains a small, quiet village that has retained much of its historic character. Today, Martinsburg is home to a handful of residents who continue to farm and work in agriculture, contributing to the town’s reputation as a peaceful rural community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Martinsburg is part of the Allen Consolidated Schools district, sharing educational resources with the town of Allen. The Allen Consolidated School district serves students from both Martinsburg and Allen, providing academic programs, sports, and extracurricular opportunities. As a small village, Martinsburg does not have many large public landmarks, but its history is reflected in local buildings and the surrounding agricultural landscape. The Martinsburg Community Center is a key location for local gatherings and social events, hosting community meetings and celebrations. The Missouri River offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing, with Martinsburg’s proximity to the river making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. The Martinsburg Cemetery is an important historical landmark, as it holds the graves of many early settlers of the village. The surrounding countryside is dotted with farms, and the rural landscape itself remains one of Martinsburg’s most defining features. The Martinsburg Memorial Day Parade is a cherished event in the town, celebrating both the town’s heritage and honoring veterans who served in the military.

Wakefield

Location and History

• Area: 0.68 square miles
• Population: 1,100 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 68784
• Latitude: 42.4422° N
• Longitude: 96.7889° W

Wakefield is a small city located in the southeastern part of Dixon County, Nebraska, approximately 20 miles south of Ponca and near the Missouri River. Wakefield was founded in the late 19th century and was originally a farming community that grew up along the railroad. Like many towns in Nebraska, Wakefield was heavily influenced by the Union Pacific Railroad, which provided vital transportation for agricultural products such as grain and livestock. The town’s economy has always been centered on farming, but over the years, it has also developed a small commercial sector, with retail shops and service businesses supporting the local community. The population of Wakefield grew steadily throughout the 20th century, and the town is now known for its vibrant small-town atmosphere and strong community ties. Today, Wakefield continues to maintain its agricultural heritage while providing a home for families who value the rural lifestyle and sense of community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Wakefield is served by the Wakefield Community Schools district, which includes Wakefield High School, Wakefield Middle School, and Wakefield Elementary School. The district offers a strong academic curriculum and various extracurricular activities, including athletics and music programs. Key landmarks in Wakefield include the Wakefield Public Library, which serves as a community resource for books, media, and educational programs. The Wakefield Memorial Park is a central gathering place, featuring picnic areas, sports fields, and playgrounds. The Wakefield Historical Museum highlights the town’s history, including its agricultural development and its role in the expansion of the railroad. The Missouri River is a major natural feature, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. The Wakefield Days Festival, held annually, includes a parade, carnival, and a variety of family-friendly events that celebrate the town’s history and community spirit. Wakefield is also home to the Wakefield Community Center, a venue for social events, meetings, and recreational activities for residents.