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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.Loup County, Nebraska
Loup County Education, Geography, and History
Loup County is a county located in the state of Nebraska. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 632, making it the fifth-least populous county in Nebraska and the tenth-least populous county in the United States. Its county seat is Taylor. The county was named after the Pawnee Loup Indians.
Etymology - Origin of Loup County Name
The county received its name from the Loup River, which cuts across the southwest corner of the present county.
Demographics:
County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts
Loup County History
Loup County may very well be the only
county in Nebraska that can make the claim that local tax dollars were not used
for the construction of the county's first courthouse.
When Loup County was officially organized on Feb. 23, 1883, a local rancher
wanted to see the county seat remain in Taylor. He decided the best way to
ensure this was to erect and donate a building to the county that could be used
as a courthouse. The following year, a two-story, four-room building was
completed and would serve as the courthouse for the next 74 years.
During that time, the building would deteriorate to the point that it would
become known as Loup County's "winter icebox." In 1958, despite a court
challenge, the county unveiled its present courthouse. Gone were the days when
county officials would have to brave the extreme elements to go outdoors to pump
drinking water or walk a half-block away to a building where "Men" and "Women"
signs were posted outside.
Loup County was originally created in 1855 and included land as far east as the
present day Colfax County. The county received its name from the Loup River,
which cuts across the southwest corner of the present county. In the northeast
sector of this Sandhills County is the Calamus River, which empties into the
Calamus Reservoir, the state's third largest lake located about 15 miles
northeast of Taylor.
Before Taylor would become the official county seat, a fierce struggle developed
between Taylor and the settlements of Kent, Almeria and Clarke's Point. In a
special election conducted in May 1883, Taylor was chosen over Almeria by a mere
two votes.
Several famous names in Nebraska history have a link to Loup County. First, Amos
Harris, said to be Nebraska's first black cowboy, and his wife, Eliza, at one
time ranged cattle in the North Loup Valley. It is also said that "Doc"
Middleton and "Kid" Wade, notorious cattle and horse rustlers, operated out of
the Loup County area in its earliest days
Geography: Land and Water
As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 571 square miles (1,480 km2), of which 568 square miles (1,470 km2) is
land and 2.8 square miles (7.3 km2) (0.5%) is water.
Neighboring Counties
Bordering counties are as follows:
- Holt County (northeast)
- Garfield County (east)
- Custer County (south)
- Blaine County (west)
- Brown County (northwest)
- Rock County (north)
Education
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