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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.Howard County, Nebraska
Howard County Education, Geography, and History
Howard County is a county located in the state of Nebraska. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 6,274. Its county seat is St. Paul.
The county was formed in 1871 and named after the Union General Oliver Otis Howard.
Howard County is part of the Grand Island, NE Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Etymology - Origin of Howard County Name
The name was selected to honor Civil War Gen. Oliver Otis Howard.
Demographics:
County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts
Howard County History
The roots of Howard County can be
traced back to a pair of government surveyors. After years of surveying
throughout the country, J.N and N.J Paul became interested in the central part
of Hall County. At the urging of the Pauls, the Legislature adopted an act in
March 1871 to divide Hall County and establish boundaries for a new county to be
called Howard. The name was selected to honor Civil War Gen. Oliver Otis Howard.
As the 1870s progressed, Howard County began to grow. Settlers coming to the
area were said to be young, well-educated, adventurous Easterners seeking to
make their fortune in "The Great American Desert."
The first permanent settlement in the county was made by the Pauls in the spring
of 1871. When it came time to name the settlement, N.J. Paul suggested Athens. A
petition was sent to the Postal Department in Washington for the establishment
of a post office called Athens in the settlement. The petition was returned
because there was already a post office by that name in the state. Phineas W.
Hitchcock, and US senator from Nebraska, suggested the name of Saint Paul, in
honor of the settlement's founders. It became St. Paul and eventually the county
seat.
As with most county seats, the courthouse in St. Paul was the focal point of the
community. When the cornerstone was laid for the building on June 5, 1913, an
all-day celebration was planned. It included a parade, ball games, races,
fireworks, speeches and ceremonies. It was estimated that more than 6,000 people
attended the celebration. The three-story Bedford stone "pride" of St. Paul
still serves the residents Howard County today and in 1988 a 75th anniversary
celebration was observed.
Over the years the courthouse has been home to more than just county offices, a
jail and the courtrooms. At one time the community's public library was located
on the third floor and the Grand Army of the Republic once occupied one of the
first floor rooms. In return, the latter agreed to build a monument on the front
lawn of the courthouse in honor of veterans of the Civil War. The monument still
stands today.
Geography: Land and Water
As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 576 square miles (1,490 km2), of which 569 square miles (1,470 km2) is
land and 6.3 square miles (16 km2) (1.1%) is water
Neighboring Counties
Bordering counties are as follows:
- Merrick County (east)
- Hall County (south)
- Buffalo County (southwest)
- Sherman County (west)
- Greeley County (north)
Education
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