Cities and Towns in Hitchcock County, Nebraska
Founded in 1873, Hitchcock County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Hitchcock County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Trenton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 87, Hitchcock County has a population of 2,586 and area of 710 square miles (1,839 km²).
List of all cities in Hitchcock County, NE alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Culbertson, NE | 69024 | 308 |
| Hamlet, NE | 69040 | 308 |
| Palisade, NE | 69040 | 308 |
| Stratton, NE | 69043 | 308 |
| Trenton, NE | 69044 | 308 |
Major Cities and Towns in Hitchcock County, Nebraska
Trenton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 69044
- Latitude: 40.5323° N
- Longitude: 101.5569° W
Location and History
Trenton, the county seat of Hitchcock County, is located in the southwestern part of Nebraska, along the Republican River. Founded in 1872, Trenton was named after Trenton, New Jersey, in honor of one of the early settlers’ home towns. The town’s development grew out of its location along a major trade route, making it an important stop for travelers and a key point for the transportation of agricultural goods. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the arrival of the railroad fueled Trenton’s growth as it became a significant center for agriculture in the region, particularly in grain, cattle, and other livestock. Trenton’s history is deeply tied to the agricultural economy of Nebraska, with many local families working the land for generations. As with many small rural towns, Trenton’s population has fluctuated over the years, with most of its residents continuing to depend on farming. Despite its small size, Trenton maintains its role as a key administrative, economic, and social hub for Hitchcock County. Its scenic location along the river and its rich agricultural past continue to shape the identity of this charming village.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Trenton is served by the Hitchcock County School District, which includes Trenton Elementary School and Hitchcock County High School. The district is known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular activities, particularly in sports and music, fostering a well-rounded educational experience. Major landmarks in Trenton include the Hayes County Historical Museum, which offers exhibits and artifacts documenting the region’s history, particularly its agricultural roots. The town is also home to several parks, including a community park with picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities, providing recreational opportunities for families and visitors. The Republican River runs through the town, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and nature walks. Trenton’s downtown area features a mix of local businesses, including cafes, shops, and service providers, that add to its small-town charm. Additionally, the town hosts a variety of community events, including the Trenton Harvest Festival, a popular event with a parade, games, and local food vendors, celebrating the agricultural heritage of the area. The peaceful rural atmosphere, combined with the town’s rich history, makes Trenton an attractive location for residents and visitors alike.
Stratton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 700 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 69043
- Latitude: 40.5569° N
- Longitude: 101.4261° W
Location and History
Stratton is a small village located in the northwestern part of Hitchcock County, Nebraska. The village was established in the late 1800s and named after a prominent local businessman. Stratton grew as part of the agricultural development in the area, benefiting from its location along the Republican River, which provided fertile land for farming. Early settlers focused primarily on crop farming and livestock, which helped the village thrive as part of the broader agricultural economy of the region. Stratton also became a transportation hub when the railroad was extended through the area in the late 19th century, facilitating the shipment of grain, cattle, and other products. Over the years, the population of Stratton remained steady, though it faced the challenges of rural depopulation as many young people moved to larger cities for employment opportunities. Despite this, Stratton has maintained its small-town character and continues to be known for its strong agricultural base, with corn, wheat, and cattle being major products. Stratton remains an important part of Hitchcock County and continues to offer a peaceful and rural lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Stratton is served by the Stratton Community Schools district, which includes Stratton High School and Stratton Elementary School. The school district is known for providing strong educational programs and extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and arts, fostering community involvement. Major landmarks in Stratton include the Stratton Community Park, which offers a space for outdoor recreation with sports fields, picnic tables, and a playground. The town also has a small but vibrant downtown area with a mix of local businesses, including cafes, shops, and service providers that contribute to its small-town atmosphere. Stratton’s location near the Republican River also allows for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation, with many residents and visitors taking advantage of these natural resources. Additionally, Stratton hosts several annual community events, including the Stratton Fall Festival, which features a parade, local vendors, and entertainment, celebrating the town’s agricultural heritage. With its rural charm, strong community ties, and scenic surroundings, Stratton offers a peaceful lifestyle while maintaining its connection to the region’s agricultural roots.
Culbertson
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,100 (2023)
- Zip Codes: 69024
- Latitude: 40.4391° N
- Longitude: 101.3991° W
Location and History
Culbertson is a small town located in the southeastern corner of Hitchcock County, Nebraska, near the Kansas border. The town was founded in the late 19th century, around the time when the railroad was expanding westward, and was named after a railroad executive. The arrival of the railroad played a significant role in Culbertson’s growth, allowing for the transport of goods such as grain and livestock to larger markets. Early settlers in the area were mostly farmers, and agriculture has remained the cornerstone of the local economy. Like many small rural towns in Nebraska, Culbertson saw its population fluctuate as farming practices and industrialization shifted, but it has remained a tight-knit community with strong ties to agriculture. Today, Culbertson is primarily known for its farming heritage, with corn, wheat, and cattle being the main products. The town’s position along the Republican River also gives it access to water resources, which continue to be vital for agriculture in the area. Despite its small size, Culbertson plays an important role in Hitchcock County’s economy and remains a significant part of the local community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Culbertson is served by the Culbertson Public Schools district, which includes Culbertson High School and Culbertson Elementary School. The district emphasizes academic achievement and offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as sports and music programs, to engage students. One of the major landmarks in Culbertson is the Culbertson Depot, a historic railroad station that once served as a major transportation hub in the region. The depot has been preserved as part of the town’s heritage, and it offers a glimpse into the past of the town’s development. Culbertson also boasts several parks and recreational areas, including a community park with sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas, where residents gather for local events. The town hosts an annual celebration, the Culbertson Harvest Festival, which includes a parade, local food vendors, and family-friendly activities. The Republican River runs near the town, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. Culbertson offers a quiet rural lifestyle with a strong community spirit, making it an ideal place for those who appreciate a peaceful setting with a close connection to Nebraska’s agricultural heritage.
