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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.Butler County, Nebraska
Butler County Education, Geography, and History
Butler County is a county located in the state of Nebraska. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 8,395. Its county seat is David City. The county was created in 1856 and later organized in 1868
Etymology - Origin of Butler County Name
There are two versions of how Butler County was named. One version claims it was named after William Orlando Butler, a Kentuckian who declined an appointment to become the first territorial governor of Nebraska. The second version states the county was named in honor of David Butler, who served as governor from 1867 to 1871.
Demographics:
County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts
Butler County History
Butler County's boundaries were
defined by the Territorial Legislature in 1856. It was formally organized 12
years later when the population reached the required 200.
The first attempt to settle in this area was made in 1847 by the Waverly Town
Company of Plattsmouth which built a house along the west bank of Skull Creek,
today the site of Linwood. Skull Creek was named as such because of the number
of human skulls that were discovered nearby. It was later determined the area
was once an ancient village of the Pawnee tribe.
Within 10 years of the time the county was organized more than 2,500 settlers
had moved into the area. True to the pioneer tradition, the valleys were
inhabited first as they provided protection. Settlement of the hills and table
lands quickly followed.
The original county seat was designated as Savannah, located near the northern
border along the Platte River. A hotel, two stores, a blacksmith shop and a
courthouse made Savannah a thriving village. Settlers, however, wanted a more
central location for their courthouse. A four-year struggle and four elections
would follow. Finally, the fourth election gave a site called David City a
majority vote of 39 to become the county seat. At the time, David City was
little more than a wide expanse of prairie. In the fall of 1873 a modest
courthouse was built on the site for $1,470. In 1890 a second courthouse was
built and stood for 74 years.
In November 1962, voters in Butler County approved the issuance of $225,000 in
bonds for the construction of a new courthouse. An additional $100,000 from
investment funds and inheritance tax monies was pledged toward the project. The
county dedicated its new courthouse 2? years later.
Geography: Land and Water
As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 591 square miles (1,530 km2), of which 585 square miles (1,520 km2) is
land and 5.9 square miles (15 km2) (1.0%) is water.
Neighboring Counties
Bordering counties are as follows:
- Saunders County, Nebraska (east)
- Seward County, Nebraska (south)
- Polk County, Nebraska (west)
- Platte County, Nebraska (northwest)
- Colfax County, Nebraska (north)
Education
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