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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.Rock County, Nebraska
Rock County Education, Geography, and History
Rock County is a county located in the state of Nebraska. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 1,526. Its county seat is Bassett.
Etymology - Origin of Rock County Name
There are two versions of how the county received its name. The
first is that it was named after Rock Creek, which empties into the Niobrara
River. The second is that it was named after the area's rocky soil conditions
during those days. Either is possible, as a rock quarry which produced
exceptionally fine building stone was located along the creek.
Demographics:
County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts
Rock County History
The area known today as Rock County
was once attached to Holt County on east for administrative and judicial
purposes. In 1883, the area would become part of the newly-created Brown County
on the west. Immediately thereafter a movement took place to separate from Brown
County and designate the area as a county itself. Voters approved the proposal
in 1887 and the following year Rock County was officially organized.
When it came time to select a county seat, five locations vied for the honor -
Bassett, Newport, Rock Center, Thurman and Tracy. Since none of the five
received a majority vote, Bassett was named the temporary county seat. During a
special election on Jan. 29, 1889, Bassett was given the honor permanently. This
resulted in a bitter conflict between Newport and Bassett that eventually wound
up in court.
At a special election on Nov. 8, 1889, a $5,000 bond was approved by Bassett
voters to build a frame courthouse. When the courthouse was destroyed by fire 10
years later, the conflict between the two townsites resumed. Bassett quickly
built another courthouse, which served the county until 1940. It was during that
year, with the assistance of the Public Works Administration, and the current
courthouse was built in Bassett.
When the area was first being settled, small farms and ranches were commonplace.
Ranching remains the economic mainstay today, with the county being recognized
as one of the top producers of wild hay in the state. With the development of
center pivot irrigation systems, Rock County has also enjoyed a steady increase
in corn production over the past 25 years.
Geography: Land and Water
As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,012 square miles (2,620 km2), of which 1,008 square miles (2,610 km2)
is land and 3.4 square miles (8.8 km2) (0.3%) is water.
Rock County is located in Nebraska's Outback region.
Neighboring Counties
Bordering counties are as follows:
- Keya Paha County - north
- Boyd County - northeast
- Holt County - east
- Loup County - south
- Brown County - west
Education
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