Cities and Towns in Nance County, Nebraska
Founded in 1879, Nance County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Nance County was formed from a Pawnee Indian reservation. The city of Fullerton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 125, Nance County has a population of 3,390 and area of 441 square miles (1,142 km²).
List of all cities in Nance County, NE alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Fullerton, NE | 68638 | 308 |
Genoa, NE | 68640 | 402 |
Major Cities and Towns in Nance County, Nebraska
Fullerton, Nebraska
Location and History
Fullerton is the county seat of Nance County, located in the central part of Nebraska. It sits along the Cedar River and is about 20 miles south of the Platte River, which places it within a strategic agricultural region. Fullerton was established in 1872, when the railroad came to the area, and it quickly grew into a thriving agricultural community. The town was named after William Fullerton, a railroad executive, and became the county seat in 1873, shortly after the county was organized. As a railroad town, Fullerton developed quickly, and its early economy was based on the transportation of crops and livestock. Today, the town retains much of its historic charm, with several buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries still standing. Fullerton’s agricultural roots continue to shape its identity, with farming and ranching remaining central to its economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Fullerton is served by the Fullerton Public Schools district, which includes Fullerton High School. The school district offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama programs. The town’s major landmarks include the Nance County Courthouse, a historic building that serves as a symbol of Fullerton’s role as the county seat. Another important landmark is the Fullerton Public Library, which is a key resource for education and community events. The Fullerton City Park provides recreational facilities, including a baseball field, playground, and walking paths. Nearby, the Cedar River offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. Fullerton also celebrates its history through various community events, including the annual Fullerton Days festival, which brings together residents for a celebration of local culture and heritage.
- Area: 1.29 sq mi
- Population: 1,320 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 68638
- Latitude: 41.3560° N
- Longitude: 98.5816° W
Belgrade, Nebraska
Location and History
Belgrade is a small village located in the southern part of Nance County, Nebraska. It sits just west of the Loup River, approximately 10 miles southwest of Fullerton. Established in the late 1800s, Belgrade was initially a stop on the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad, which helped it grow into a local hub for agriculture and commerce. The town was officially incorporated in 1884 and was named after Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, reflecting the influence of European immigrants in the area. Like many small Nebraska towns, Belgrade’s economy was driven by farming and ranching, and its population grew steadily during the early 20th century. Today, Belgrade remains a small rural community, with its population and size relatively stable.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Belgrade is part of the Central Valley Schools district, which serves students in the surrounding rural areas. The local school district provides education through the Central Valley High School. While Belgrade itself does not have many notable landmarks, it is located near the Loup River, which is an important feature for the surrounding community. The river provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing and boating. The Belgrade Community Hall serves as a central meeting place for residents and hosts various local events and gatherings. The town also holds an annual celebration, which typically includes a parade, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Belgrade’s agricultural heritage is still evident in the surrounding farms, making it a quiet but vital part of Nance County.
- Area: 0.11 sq mi
- Population: 53 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 68623
- Latitude: 41.2704° N
- Longitude: 98.2771° W
Genoa, Nebraska
Location and History
Genoa is a city in the eastern part of Nance County, located along the Loup River. It was originally settled in the late 1800s and officially incorporated in 1886. Genoa was founded as a transportation and trade center, thanks to its position along the Loup River and proximity to major railroads. The city became known for its agricultural production, particularly in grains and livestock, which were easily transported by rail and river. Genoa is also notable for the presence of the Genoa Indian Industrial School, which was established in the late 19th century as part of the U.S. government’s effort to assimilate Native American children into Euro-American culture. The school was open from 1884 until 1934 and had a significant impact on the local community’s history. Today, Genoa remains a small city, but its rich history and connection to Native American heritage give it a unique place in Nebraska’s past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Genoa is served by the Genoa Public Schools district, which includes Genoa High School. The district offers a variety of programs for students, and the town is known for its support of local education. Genoa’s primary landmark is the Genoa Indian School Historical Site, which provides insight into the town’s historical role in Native American education. The school’s buildings and grounds are preserved as a historical park, where visitors can learn about the challenges and cultural impacts faced by Native American students. The Loup River also offers recreational opportunities such as fishing, canoeing, and birdwatching. Genoa’s other landmarks include the Nance County Museum, which displays artifacts related to local history, including farming tools, Native American artifacts, and railroad memorabilia. The city also hosts the annual Genoa Festival, which celebrates local culture and heritage with food, music, and games.
- Area: 0.75 sq mi
- Population: 509 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 68640
- Latitude: 41.4300° N
- Longitude: 98.0824° W
Cedar Rapids, Nebraska
Location and History
Cedar Rapids is located in the northern part of Nance County, Nebraska, approximately 12 miles north of Fullerton. Founded in 1872, Cedar Rapids grew quickly due to the railroad and its location along the Cedar River, which provided a vital water source for early settlers. The town’s name comes from the river, which was originally lined with dense stands of cedar trees. Cedar Rapids was incorporated in 1881, and for much of its early history, the town was an agricultural and trading center. Like many small towns in Nebraska, Cedar Rapids has retained much of its rural character, with agriculture continuing to play a central role in the local economy. Despite its small size, Cedar Rapids is an important part of Nance County, offering local services, schools, and community events.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cedar Rapids is served by the Cedar Rapids Public School district, which includes a small K-12 school that offers education to children from the surrounding rural area. The school is central to the town’s community life, with strong sports teams and a variety of extracurricular programs. One of the town’s landmarks is the Cedar Rapids Community Center, which hosts a variety of local events such as dances, meetings, and celebrations. The Cedar Rapids Cemetery is another notable site, containing many of the early settlers and community leaders from the town’s past. Cedar Rapids also celebrates its agricultural heritage with an annual community festival, which includes a parade, food, and local entertainment. The Cedar River provides additional recreational opportunities for the town’s residents, including fishing and nature walks.
- Area: 0.25 sq mi
- Population: 381 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 68627
- Latitude: 41.5385° N
- Longitude: 98.2634° W