Nebraska Counties
Nebraska County map
Click Image to Enlarge

Nebraska Counties

There is ninety-three counties in state of Nebraska. Despite the fact that Sarpy County contained the oldest settlement in the state, it was one of the last lands along the river to be recognized by law. Finally, on February 1, 1857, the land "where the cities meet the country" was officially created.
 

Boone County, Nebraska

Boone County Education, Geography, and HistoryBoone County, Nebraska Courthouse

Boone County is a county located in the state of Nebraska. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 5,505. Its county seat is Albion. The county was organized in 1871 and named after Daniel Boone.

Etymology - Origin of Boone County Name

Namedit in honor of Kentucky pioneer and hunter Daniel Boone.

Demographics:

County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts

Boone County History

Historical accounts of the "Great American Desert" indicate that stolen horses may have led to the formation of Boone County. According to reports from the 1800s, no white man other than government surveyors had explored the 687-square-mile area prior to 1860. The area was primarily a bountiful hunting ground for the Pawnee and Sioux Indians.

But in the late 1860s, Sam Smith of Columbus ventured into the area in search of a stolen herd of horses. In 1871 Smith returned to this thriving prairie area along Beaver Creek as leader of a six-man exploration party. The party was unconvinced, however, that the land was of value. One member of the party, S.D. Avery, decided to try his fortunes again. Avery led three exploration parties to the area that same year and on the third visit began work on a sod house along Beaver Creek, marking the first white settlement.

Avery began the settlement just one month after the Legislature, on March 28, 1871, defined the boundaries and organized the county, naming it in honor of Kentucky pioneer and hunter Daniel Boone. The government of Boone County officially went into operation on July 28, 1871 when three commissioners were sworn into office. It was decided by these new representatives that the first county election would be conducted on the first Tuesday in January 1872.

A difference of opinion arose over where the county seat should be located and a struggle developed between Albion and Boone, the only two locations with post offices. An election was held and Albion was the victor. Until the first courthouse was completed in 1897, commissioners met in an Albion hotel. The present courthouse was dedicated in 1976.

The community that today serves as the county seat actually had its name selected through a game of chance. Two factions argued for several weeks about what the town should be named. They agreed to settle the argument with game of euchre. Two men played for the name Albion; two for the name Manchester.

Geography: Land and Water

As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 687 square miles (1,780 km2), of which 687 square miles (1,780 km2) is land and 0.7 square miles (1.8 km2) (0.1%) is water.

Neighboring Counties

Bordering counties are as follows:

  • Madison County, Nebraska (northeast)
  • Platte County, Nebraska (southeast)
  • Nance County, Nebraska (south)
  • Greeley County, Nebraska (southwest)
  • Wheeler County, Nebraska (northwest)
  • Antelope County, Nebraska (north)

Education



Compare More Colleges and Universities
Find the Right School

Find more schools to match to your needs.


County Resources
US Counties
Click Image to Enlarge