Cities and Towns in Loup County, Nebraska
Founded in 1883, Loup County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Loup County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Taylor is the county seat. With FIPS code of 115, Loup County has a population of 604 and area of 570 square miles (1,476 km²).
List of all cities in Loup County, NE alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Almeria, NE | 68879 | 308 |
Taylor, NE | 68879 | 308 |
Major Cities and Towns in Loup County, Nebraska
Loup City, Nebraska
Location and History
Loup City, located in the central part of Nebraska, serves as the county seat of Loup County. The town was founded in 1876 and named after the Loup River, which runs nearby. The name “Loup” is derived from the French word for “wolf,” as early French explorers named the river after the native wolves that roamed the area. The settlement of Loup City began as a strategic stop along the Union Pacific Railroad, which facilitated the movement of goods and people in the late 19th century. Early settlers were primarily ranchers and farmers who were attracted to the fertile land and ample water sources provided by the Loup River. Loup City grew steadily throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, with the establishment of businesses, schools, and churches. The town was an important center for the surrounding rural community, serving as a hub for trade and commerce. Despite its rural location, Loup City has maintained a stable population and continues to serve as the administrative and commercial center for Loup County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Loup City is served by the Loup City Public Schools district, which includes Loup City High School. The school is well-regarded for its academic programs and offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and student clubs. One of the major landmarks in Loup City is the Loup City Courthouse, a historic building that serves as the center of county government and stands as a symbol of the town’s importance within the region. Another key landmark is the Loup City Cemetery, which is home to the graves of early settlers and local pioneers. Loup City also boasts the Loup City City Park, which provides a space for picnics, sports, and community events. The town’s historic downtown area features early 20th-century buildings, adding to the community’s nostalgic atmosphere. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the Loup River for activities such as fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. Loup City hosts several annual events, including the Loup City Rodeo and the Loup City Fall Festival, which brings the community together for celebrations of local culture and agriculture.
- Area: 0.66 sq mi
- Population: 1,049 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 68853
- Latitude: 41.3523° N
- Longitude: 98.6846° W
Rockville, Nebraska
Location and History
Rockville is a small village located in the southwestern part of Loup County, Nebraska, along the North Loup River. It was founded in 1881 and was named for the nearby rock formations along the riverbank, which early settlers thought resembled a rock castle. Like many towns in Nebraska, Rockville was established due to the construction of the railroad, which helped to stimulate economic growth in the region. The area around Rockville became known for its farming and ranching, particularly for raising cattle and growing crops like corn and wheat. The village was a bustling center for trade and agriculture in the early 20th century. Over time, however, the population of Rockville remained small, and it has largely stayed a quiet, rural community with a close-knit population. Despite its size, Rockville continues to serve as a vital part of the Loup County agricultural community, supporting farmers and ranchers in the area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rockville is served by the Rockville Public Schools district, which offers education to students from Rockville and the surrounding rural areas. The school is known for its strong community involvement and provides a range of extracurricular activities, particularly in sports. Rockville’s most prominent landmark is the Rockville Community Center, which is a hub for local social events, meetings, and community gatherings. The North Loup River is another important feature of the village, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and birdwatching. For outdoor enthusiasts, Rockville has several nearby parks that offer space for picnics, hiking, and sports. One of the most picturesque spots in the area is the Rockville Bridge, an historic railroad bridge that offers great views of the river and the surrounding landscape. The village also celebrates its agricultural heritage with local events like the Rockville County Fair, where locals gather to showcase their crops, livestock, and homemade goods.
- Area: 0.31 sq mi
- Population: 100 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 68871
- Latitude: 41.2835° N
- Longitude: 98.7753° W
Sargent, Nebraska
Location and History
Sargent is a village located in the northeastern part of Loup County, Nebraska, about 14 miles southeast of Loup City. Sargent was founded in 1880 and named after a railroad official, John Sargent, who was instrumental in the establishment of the railroad through the region. The town grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as the arrival of the railroad facilitated trade and transportation. Agriculture played a significant role in Sargent’s economy, particularly cattle ranching and crop farming. Like many rural towns in Nebraska, Sargent experienced population decline in the mid-20th century as mechanized farming and consolidation of businesses reduced the need for a large population base. However, Sargent has managed to preserve its rural character and continues to be a vital center for agriculture and ranching in Loup County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sargent is served by the Sargent Public Schools district, which includes Sargent High School. The district offers a comprehensive education for students and is known for its strong athletics programs and community support. The most prominent landmark in Sargent is the Sargent Public Library, which provides a wide range of educational resources for residents. The town is also home to several parks and recreational facilities, including the Sargent City Park, which offers a playground, picnic areas, and a baseball field. The North Loup River, which runs near Sargent, provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching. For those interested in local history, the Sargent Museum features exhibits on the town’s past, including its early settlement and agricultural development. Sargent also celebrates its rural roots through local events like the Sargent Harvest Festival, where the community gathers to celebrate the harvest season with food, music, and agricultural exhibits.
- Area: 0.49 sq mi
- Population: 323 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 68874
- Latitude: 41.4397° N
- Longitude: 98.4678° W