Cities and Towns in Webster County, Nebraska
Founded in 1867, Webster County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Webster County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Red Cloud is the county seat. With FIPS code of 181, Webster County has a population of 3,411 and area of 575 square miles (1,489 km²).
List of all cities in Webster County, NE alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bladen, NE | 68928 | 402 |
| Blue Hill, NE | 68930 | 402 |
| Cowles, NE | 68930 | 402 |
| Guide Rock, NE | 68942 | 402 |
| Inavale, NE | 68952 | 402 |
| Red Cloud, NE | 68970 | 402 |
| Rosemont, NE | 68930 | 402 |
Major Cities and Towns in Webster County, Nebraska
Red Cloud
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.20 square miles
- Population: 1,000+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68970
- Latitude: 40.0747° N
- Longitude: 98.5475° W
Location and History:
Red Cloud is the county seat of Webster County and is located in the southern part of the state, near the border with Kansas. The town was established in 1871 and named after the famous Lakota Sioux chief, Red Cloud, who was known for his leadership during the Indian Wars. Red Cloud quickly grew as a railroad town, and its early economy was based on agriculture, particularly grain and livestock farming. The town’s importance was bolstered by its role as a trade center, where farmers and ranchers could sell their goods. As the seat of Webster County, Red Cloud became the center of legal, governmental, and cultural activities in the region. The town is also known for its historical significance as the home of Willa Cather, one of America’s greatest authors, whose works were inspired by her life in the area. Red Cloud’s history is intertwined with both Native American heritage and the expansion of Western settlement, giving it a rich cultural legacy.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Red Cloud is served by the Red Cloud Community Schools, which include an elementary school, a middle school, and Red Cloud High School. The district is known for its academic excellence and commitment to community involvement. Red Cloud is home to several important landmarks, including the Willa Cather Memorial Prairie, which honors the life and works of the acclaimed author. The Willa Cather Foundation also maintains the Cather Museum and the Cather House, where visitors can learn more about her legacy. Additionally, the Red Cloud Opera House, which dates back to the late 19th century, is a key cultural venue in the town, hosting concerts, plays, and community events. The Webster County Courthouse, a historic building constructed in the early 1900s, is another significant landmark. With its blend of historical sites and cultural offerings, Red Cloud is a town rich in both literary and historical heritage.
Guide Rock
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.29 square miles
- Population: 250+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68942
- Latitude: 40.0572° N
- Longitude: 98.5644° W
Location and History:
Guide Rock is a small village located in the northeastern part of Webster County, Nebraska, situated along the Republican River. The town’s name comes from a large rock formation that served as a landmark for pioneers traveling along the Oregon Trail in the mid-1800s. This natural rock formation was used by settlers as a reference point to guide them through the difficult terrain of the Great Plains. The village of Guide Rock was officially founded in 1871, and like many towns in the region, it grew rapidly with the construction of the railroad. Early settlers in Guide Rock were primarily farmers, and the town quickly became a center for local trade and agriculture. Over the years, Guide Rock has remained a small rural community, with agriculture continuing to be its economic backbone. Its historical roots as a guidepost for pioneers and its connection to Nebraska’s settlement history make it an important part of the region’s cultural landscape.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Guide Rock is served by the Guide Rock Public Schools, a small school district offering education for elementary through high school students. The town’s small size means that local events, including sports and school functions, are central to the community’s social life. Major landmarks in Guide Rock include the Guide Rock itself, a large boulder that still stands as a testament to the town’s history as a guidepost for early settlers. The Guide Rock Community Center serves as the town’s hub for social events, gatherings, and local meetings. The town also has several small parks and outdoor spaces where residents can enjoy recreational activities such as picnics and family outings. Although Guide Rock is a small village, its historic connection to the Oregon Trail and the natural beauty of its surroundings make it an appealing spot for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.
Bladen
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.42 square miles
- Population: 400+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68926
- Latitude: 40.3889° N
- Longitude: 98.2639° W
Location and History:
Bladen is a small village located in the central part of Webster County, Nebraska, about 10 miles east of Red Cloud. The town was established in the late 1800s and was named after Bladen County in North Carolina, the birthplace of one of the town’s early settlers. Bladen’s growth was initially fueled by the expansion of the railroad, and like many other towns in Nebraska, it quickly became a vital trade and agricultural center for surrounding farmers. The town’s economy has historically been based on farming, with wheat, corn, and cattle being the primary products. Over the years, Bladen has remained a rural community with a tight-knit population that values its small-town atmosphere. While the town has not seen the same level of growth as some of Nebraska’s larger cities, Bladen continues to thrive as a center for local agriculture and a community that takes pride in its history.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Bladen is part of the Bladen Public Schools district, which serves students from kindergarten through high school. The district is known for its small class sizes and close community involvement. Bladen’s landmarks include the Bladen Community Center, a popular venue for local events, and the Bladen United Methodist Church, which has been a central part of the community for many years. The town also features several parks and recreational spaces, where residents can enjoy outdoor activities such as picnics, sports, and family gatherings. Although Bladen is a small village, its rural charm, historical significance, and community spirit make it a beloved place for its residents and visitors alike.
Fairfield
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.35 square miles
- Population: 100+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68938
- Latitude: 40.3639° N
- Longitude: 98.3569° W
Location and History:
Fairfield is a small village located in the western part of Webster County, Nebraska, approximately 10 miles northwest of Red Cloud. Established in the 1870s, Fairfield was initially a small trading post for nearby ranchers and farmers, and it quickly grew into a village with the arrival of the railroad. Named after Fairfield, Iowa, the village became a central location for local agricultural commerce. While the population of Fairfield has remained relatively small over the years, it has maintained its importance as a rural service center for the surrounding farming communities. Today, Fairfield is known for its quiet, small-town charm, with much of its history tied to the rise of agriculture and the development of the railroad.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Fairfield is served by the Fairfield Public Schools system, which includes an elementary school and high school. The district is known for its strong community involvement and its support for local sports teams and extracurricular activities. Key landmarks in Fairfield include the Fairfield Community Hall, which hosts local events and gatherings, and the Fairfield Methodist Church, a historic structure that has been a staple in the town for generations. The town also features a small city park, where residents can enjoy outdoor activities like walking, picnicking, and sports. Fairfield’s blend of agricultural roots and small-town life makes it a charming part of Webster County.
