Cities and Towns in Sheridan County, Nebraska

Founded in 1885, Sheridan County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Sheridan County was formed from Sioux County. The city of Rushville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 161, Sheridan County has a population of 5,095 and area of 2,441 square miles (6,322 km²).

List of all cities in Sheridan County, NE alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Antioch, NE	69340	308
Bingham, NE	69335	308
Clinton, NE	69343	308
Ellsworth, NE	69340	308
Gordon, NE	69343	308
Hay Springs, NE	69347	308
Lakeside, NE	69351	308
Rushville, NE	69360	308
Whiteclay, NE	69365	308

Major Cities and Towns in Sheridan County, Nebraska

Gordon

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

• Area: 1.23 square miles
• Population: 1,600+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 69343
• Latitude: 42.8741° N
• Longitude: 102.0256° W

Location and History:

Gordon is the county seat of Sheridan County and is located in the northwestern part of Nebraska, approximately 20 miles south of the South Dakota border and 50 miles west of the Nebraska-Nebraska state line. The town was established in 1885 when the railroad came through the region, and it was named after John Gordon, an early settler and local rancher. The arrival of the railroad played a significant role in the town’s development, as it allowed farmers and ranchers to ship their goods to larger markets. Initially, Gordon thrived as a railroad town and a center for agriculture, especially cattle ranching, and wheat farming. Over the years, the economy has diversified, but agriculture remains a key industry in the area. The town’s location in the scenic Pine Ridge region gives it easy access to outdoor recreational activities like hiking, fishing, and camping, making it a desirable place for residents and visitors who enjoy the outdoors. Today, Gordon is a vibrant small town with a mix of historic charm and modern amenities.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Gordon is served by the Gordon-Rushville School District, which includes both Gordon-Rushville High School and an elementary and middle school. The district is known for its strong academic programs and involvement in sports and extracurricular activities. Key landmarks in Gordon include the Sheridan County Courthouse, a historic building in the heart of the downtown area that serves as the center of government for the county. The town also has several parks and recreational areas, such as the Gordon City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields for community activities. The Pine Ridge region surrounding Gordon is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking, camping, and wildlife watching opportunities. Additionally, nearby attractions such as the Fort Robinson State Park, which preserves a U.S. Army fort used during the Indian Wars, bring visitors to the area. The town is also home to the annual Sheridan County Fair, which celebrates local agriculture, arts, and crafts and serves as a major event for residents and visitors alike.

Rushville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

• Area: 0.40 square miles
• Population: 900+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 69360
• Latitude: 42.7047° N
• Longitude: 102.4566° W

Location and History:

Rushville is located in the northeastern part of Sheridan County, about 40 miles north of Gordon and 80 miles south of the South Dakota border. The town was established in 1884 and named after a nearby creek, Rush Creek, which itself was named after the abundant rush plants that once grew along its banks. Rushville was founded as a stop along the railroad and grew quickly as a center for agriculture and ranching. Early settlers in the area were primarily involved in farming, cattle ranching, and other livestock enterprises, taking advantage of the region’s open spaces and grazing lands. Rushville became an incorporated village in 1885 and served as a key hub for the local farming community. Over the years, the town maintained its agricultural roots, though it also became known for its access to outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing, and camping in the surrounding hills. Today, Rushville remains a small but thriving community with a population that continues to be connected to the land and agriculture, while also taking advantage of the recreational opportunities that abound in the surrounding area.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Rushville is served by the Rushville Public Schools district, which includes both Rushville High School and an elementary and middle school. The district is well-regarded for its commitment to academics, as well as its active sports programs and extracurricular opportunities. One of the main landmarks in Rushville is the Sheridan County Fairgrounds, which hosts a variety of events, including the annual Sheridan County Fair. The fairgrounds feature a rodeo arena, a livestock show area, and space for community events. Rushville is also home to several parks, including the Rushville City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. The surrounding area provides numerous recreational opportunities, such as fishing and boating at nearby reservoirs and lakes, as well as hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping in the Pine Ridge region. Fort Robinson State Park is located nearby and offers a rich historical experience, preserving the site of a former U.S. Army fort. The annual Rushville Rodeo, a well-loved event in the community, celebrates the town’s western heritage and draws visitors from across the region.

Hay Springs

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

• Area: 0.32 square miles
• Population: 300+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 69347
• Latitude: 42.7987° N
• Longitude: 102.6832° W

Location and History:

Hay Springs is a small town located in the southeastern part of Sheridan County, Nebraska, approximately 25 miles south of Gordon and 10 miles north of the Nebraska-Wyoming state line. Established in 1887, Hay Springs grew as a service center for the surrounding agricultural and ranching community. The town was named for its proximity to vast areas of prairie grass, which early settlers used for hay production. Like many towns in the region, Hay Springs developed around the railroad, which helped transport local agricultural products to larger markets. Over the years, Hay Springs became known for its role as an agricultural hub, and its economy remains rooted in farming and livestock production. The town is located near the headwaters of the Niobrara River, which provides scenic views and outdoor activities like fishing and wildlife watching. The area is also rich in natural beauty, with rolling hills and forests, making it a quiet and desirable place to live for those who enjoy the outdoors. Today, Hay Springs maintains a strong connection to its agricultural past while providing a peaceful environment for its residents.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Hay Springs is served by the Hay Springs Public School District, which includes Hay Springs High School and an elementary and middle school. The school district is known for its strong academic performance, as well as its athletic programs, particularly in sports like basketball and volleyball. Key landmarks in Hay Springs include the Hay Springs City Park, which offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields for local gatherings. The town is located near the scenic Pine Ridge region, providing residents and visitors with access to hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. The Niobrara River is a popular spot for fishing and boating, and the surrounding area offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Hay Springs also celebrates its rural heritage with events such as the Hay Springs Rodeo, which draws attendees from throughout the region to enjoy rodeo events and agricultural competitions. The town is known for its close-knit community and its small-town charm, making it a great place for families and individuals looking to live in a rural, peaceful environment.

Whiteclay

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

• Area: 0.14 square miles
• Population: 10+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 69365
• Latitude: 42.8885° N
• Longitude: 102.5955° W

Location and History:

Whiteclay is a small, unincorporated village located in the northwestern corner of Sheridan County, Nebraska, just south of the Nebraska-South Dakota border. Established in the late 1800s, Whiteclay was originally founded as a trading post for the nearby Oglala Lakota people and early settlers. The town was located near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, and during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it became known for its alcohol sales, which were controversial and contributed to the area’s reputation. Despite its small size and contentious history, Whiteclay has served as a service center for nearby ranching and agricultural communities. Over time, its population has dwindled, and much of its land is now unincorporated. Today, Whiteclay’s historical significance is reflected in its proximity to important cultural sites, including the Pine Ridge Reservation, and it remains a unique area in terms of its history and connection to Native American heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Whiteclay does not have its own schools but is part of the larger educational system in the area, with students attending schools in nearby towns, such as Gordon or Rushville. The town itself does not have major landmarks but is located near historical sites such as the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, which is home to the Oglala Lakota Nation. The nearby Wounded Knee Massacre site is an important landmark that draws visitors interested in Native American history and culture. Although Whiteclay is no longer a thriving town, its history is significant, particularly its role in the region’s cultural and economic development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The surrounding area remains a place of interest for those seeking to learn more about Native American history, especially the Lakota people, and the region’s complex relationship with the U.S. government and settlers. The town remains a quiet and rural spot, with limited development but still holding a certain place in local and regional history.