Cities and Towns in Gosper County, Nebraska
Founded in 1873, Gosper County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Gosper County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Elwood is the county seat. With FIPS code of 73, Gosper County has a population of 1,824 and area of 458 square miles (1,186 km²).
List of all cities in Gosper County, NE alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Elwood, NE | 68937 | 308 |
| Johnson Lake, NE | 68937 | 308 |
| Smithfield, NE | 68976 | 308 |
Major Cities and Towns in Gosper County, Nebraska
Elwood
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,000 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 68937
- Latitude: 40.6019° N
- Longitude: 99.5103° W
Location and History
Elwood is a small town located in central Gosper County, Nebraska, near the Platte River. It was established in 1871 when the area was first settled by European Americans and named after Elwood, Indiana. The town grew rapidly during the late 19th century, particularly after the arrival of the railroad, which facilitated the transportation of agricultural products like grain and livestock. The presence of the Platte River provided essential water resources for farming, and Elwood became known for its irrigated farmland. The town also served as a hub for the surrounding agricultural community, and it saw the establishment of many local businesses and services, including a post office, schools, and churches. Elwood was incorporated in 1873, and while its population has decreased over the years due to urbanization and rural depopulation, the town remains a focal point for agriculture and local commerce in Gosper County. Today, Elwood continues to be a quiet, rural community, but its agricultural history is still deeply embedded in the town’s identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Elwood is served by the Elwood Public Schools district, which includes Elwood High School and Elwood Elementary School. The district focuses on providing a well-rounded education for students in the area, with athletics and extracurricular activities being an important part of the community life. Elwood is home to several notable landmarks, including the Gosper County Courthouse, which serves as the administrative center for the county. The town’s location along the Platte River is another key feature, providing recreational opportunities like fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. One of the town’s major landmarks is the Elwood City Park, which offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and space for local events and gatherings. Elwood also hosts the annual Elwood Days, a local celebration that includes a parade, rodeo, and community activities, bringing residents together to celebrate the town’s agricultural heritage. These landmarks and events reflect the small-town charm and close-knit community that define Elwood.
Oxford
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 900 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 68967
- Latitude: 40.5502° N
- Longitude: 99.1485° W
Location and History
Oxford is a small town located in the southern part of Gosper County, Nebraska. The town was established in 1870 and named after Oxford, Massachusetts, by early settlers who hailed from that region. The area was originally part of a vast stretch of fertile land that attracted homesteaders and agricultural settlers. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped solidify Oxford’s role as a commercial hub for the surrounding agricultural region. As farming and ranching became the primary economic activities, Oxford developed into a service center for farmers and ranchers, offering supplies, equipment, and essential services. The town’s population grew steadily through the early 20th century, but like many rural communities, it has experienced a decline in recent decades. However, Oxford still retains a strong agricultural identity and serves as the administrative and social center for the surrounding area. The town’s location along the Frenchman Creek has also contributed to its history, providing water resources for early settlers and a scenic backdrop for the community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Oxford is served by the Oxford Public Schools district, which includes Oxford High School and Oxford Elementary School. The district offers a variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities for students, with strong athletic programs and a commitment to academic excellence. Oxford’s most prominent landmarks include the Oxford Town Hall, which serves as the focal point for local government, and the Oxford City Park, a well-maintained area with playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails. The Frenchman Creek, which runs near the town, is another notable feature, providing scenic views and outdoor recreation such as fishing and hiking. The town is also home to the Oxford Historical Museum, which showcases the town’s agricultural and railroad heritage, with exhibits highlighting the early history of the town and the surrounding area. Oxford’s small-town atmosphere is complemented by its annual events, including the Oxford Days celebration, which features a parade, local food vendors, and live entertainment, bringing the community together in celebration.
Hartwell
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 50 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 68943
- Latitude: 40.6489° N
- Longitude: 99.3186° W
Location and History
Hartwell is an extremely small village located in the northeastern corner of Gosper County. Founded in the late 19th century, Hartwell has historically been a farming and ranching community, with its economy and culture rooted in agriculture. The town’s origins trace back to the 1880s, when it served as a stop for the railroad and a gathering place for surrounding farmers. Though never large, Hartwell developed a small, tight-knit community and maintained its rural character for many years. Over time, however, as farming practices became more mechanized and regional transportation improved, the town began to see a decline in population, with many residents moving to nearby towns for better economic opportunities. Today, Hartwell is a quiet, almost forgotten place, with few businesses and only a handful of residents. Its historical significance lies in its status as one of the small, once-thriving towns that helped settle the region, and its location provides a quiet snapshot of rural Nebraska life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hartwell is an unincorporated village and does not have its own school. Local children attend schools in neighboring towns such as Elwood or Oxford. Due to its small size, Hartwell does not have many public amenities or landmarks, but the nearby agricultural landscape remains its most prominent feature. The surrounding farmlands and the flat terrain are a testament to the area’s historical reliance on agriculture, with corn and wheat being major crops. The village does not host many public events, but it is still part of the broader community in Gosper County, participating in countywide celebrations such as the Gosper County Fair. The lack of commercial development and population growth has left Hartwell in a state of relative obscurity, but it retains its rural charm as part of the rich agricultural heritage of the county.
Trenton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 400 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 69044
- Latitude: 40.2999° N
- Longitude: 99.0772° W
Location and History
Trenton is a small town located in the eastern part of Gosper County, Nebraska. It was established in the 1880s and originally served as a stop along the railroad line that connected rural Nebraska to larger cities. The town was named after Trenton, New Jersey, and its early development was influenced by the railroad, which brought goods and settlers to the area. Like many small Nebraska towns, Trenton’s economy was based on farming, with corn and wheat being major crops, as well as cattle ranching. As the population grew during the early 20th century, Trenton became a local service hub for the surrounding farming community, providing essential services like grain storage, a post office, and local businesses. Over the years, the town’s population has declined, but it remains a vital rural community, with many of its residents still involved in farming and ranching. Trenton continues to be an example of Nebraska’s small rural towns that have been shaped by the state’s agricultural legacy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Trenton is served by the Trenton Public Schools district, which includes Trenton High School and Trenton Elementary School. The district offers a strong academic curriculum and athletic programs, fostering a sense of community pride. The town’s most notable landmark is the Trenton City Park, which offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and recreational facilities for the community. The local cemetery, the Trenton Cemetery, is another significant landmark, holding the graves of many of the town’s early settlers. Trenton is also known for its proximity to the historic U.S. Route 6, which passed through the town and played a role in its development. Today, the town hosts a variety of community events, including an annual festival that celebrates Trenton’s agricultural roots. Although small in size, Trenton offers a glimpse into rural life in Nebraska, with a strong sense of community and a deep connection to the surrounding farmland.
