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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.Perkins County, Nebraska
Perkins County Education, Geography, and History
Perkins County is a county located in the state of Nebraska. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 2,970. Its county seat is Grant
Etymology - Origin of Perkins County Name
There are two versions of how the county was named. The first claims it was named after Charles E. Perkins, who was president of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. The local version is that the county was named after Joseph Perkins, a former resident of Grant.
Demographics:
County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts
Perkins County History
For many years, Perkins County was
part of Keith County to the north. But distinct differences in the topography of
the two areas, combined with the sheer size of Keith County, led to the division
of the areas in 1887 and two separate counties.
The lands north of the Platte River were classified as Sandhills, conducive to
cattle ranching. South the river were the High Plains, which were better suited
for farming. Those settlers who farmed south of the Platte River petitioned
Keith County for the establishment of their own county in 1887. That November an
election was held and the proposal carried.
The first order of business for the new county was to establish a county seat.
Knowing the financial benefits associated with being the county seat, the
townsites of Grant, Madrid and Lisbon competed for the honor. After three
elections, considerably more votes were cast than there were inhabitants, and
following a legal challenge, the District Court ruled in favor of Grant in
October 1988.
Grant had been established two years earlier. It began with a store and a
newspaper. On July 4 of the following year, a major celebration took place when
a Chicago, Burlington and Quincy train pulled into Grant for the first time.
With the coming of the railroad came a steady influx of settlers. By the fall of
1887, Grant boasted three banks and many additional businesses.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Perkins County had no permanent
courthouse. In 1901 the county's offices were housed in an old bank building.
The offices would remain in this building until 1927, when the present
three-story, stone courthouse was built.
Geography: Land and Water
As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 884 square miles (2,290 km2), of which 883 square miles (2,290 km2) is
land and 1.1 square miles (2.8 km2) (0.1%) is water.
Neighboring Counties
Bordering counties are as follows:
- Lincoln County (east)
- Hayes County (southeast)
- Chase County (south)
- Phillips County, Colorado (southwest)
- Sedgwick County, Colorado (west)
- Keith County (north)
- Deuel County (northwest)
Education
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