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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.Seward County, Nebraska
Seward County Education, Geography, and History
Seward County is a county located in the state of Nebraska. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 16,750. Its county seat is
Seward. The county was formed in 1855 and later organized in 1867. It was originally called Greene County, and in 1862 it was renamed in honor
of William H. Seward, United States Secretary of State under Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson.
Seward County is part of the Lincoln, NE Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Etymology - Origin of Seward County Name
The original name given to the county was Greene, after a Gen. Greene of Missouri. But when the Civil War broke out Gen. Greene joined the Confederacy so on Jan. 3, 1862, members of the Territorial Legislature voted to rename the county in honor of William A. Seward, Secretary of State under President Abraham Lincoln.
Demographics:
County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts
Seward County History
The boundaries of what today is
Seward County were defined by the Territorial Legislature on Jan. 26, 1856. The
original name given to the county was Greene, after a Gen. Greene of Missouri.
But when the Civil War broke out Gen. Greene joined the Confederacy so on Jan.
3, 1862, members of the Territorial Legislature voted to rename the county in
honor of William A. Seward, Secretary of State under President Abraham Lincoln.
County organization began in 1865, but it was not until 1871 that a county seat
was selected. The townsites of Seward, Milford and Camden each sought this
honor. As can best be determined, the "election" that followed was simply a
matter of "Seward, yea or nay." To quell any objections to the "election," a
frame building was quickly put up to serve as a courthouse.
A unique part of Seward County's history was the development of the present
courthouse and the benefactors who contributed to it.
As the number of county records accumulated, it became apparent that a larger
fireproof building was needed. Several times between 1879 and 1900 the idea was
proposed, but each time it failed due to the anticipated cost. In 1900, Lewis
Moffitt, who owned the land on which the city of Seward is located, died.
Moffitt's will stated that upon the death of his wife, Mary, his land should be
sold and the money be used to build a courthouse and jail at a cost of not less
than $100,000.
By 1904 a campaign was well under way to build the courthouse that Moffitt had
envisioned. On Sept. 20, 1905, the cornerstone was laid amid a festive
celebration that attracted what was estimated at between 8,000 and 10,000
people. As construction progressed there were numerous suggestions on how the
county could show its appreciation to the Moffitts. Some even suggested renaming
the county in their honor. It was ultimately decided that a plaque honoring the
Moffitts be installed inside the courthouse. In 1980 the impressive building and
tree-lined courthouse square that were the result of Moffitt's early vision
celebrated its 75th anniversary.
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 571 square miles (1,480 km2) is
land and 4.5 square miles (12 km2) (0.8%) is water.
Neighboring Counties
Bordering counties are as follows:
- Butler County (north)
- Lancaster County (east)
- Saline County (south)
- Fillmore County (southwest)
- York County (west)
- Polk County (northwest)
Education
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