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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.Pierce County, Nebraska
Pierce County Education, Geography, and History
Pierce County is a county located in the state of Nebraska. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 7,266. Its county seat is
Pierce. The county was formed in 1859 and named after President Franklin Pierce.
Pierce County is part of the Norfolk, NE Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Etymology - Origin of Pierce County Name
It was named in honor of Franklin Pierce, the 14th president of the United States.
Demographics:
County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts
Pierce County History
Pierce County was created in 1859
through an act of the Territorial Legislature. It was named in honor of Franklin
Pierce, the 14th president of the United States.
The Ponca Indians, who lived along the Niobrara River, once used this area as a
hunting and fishing ground. The Poncas were a friendly tribe and coexisted well
with the first white settlers. But in 1876 the federal government ordered the
Poncas to relocate to Oklahoma. White settlers would later tell of the Poncas'
tearful departure when they bid them farewell. Some years later, after becoming
disheartened with Oklahoma, some of the Poncas would return to Nebraska and the
Niobrara River. En route, they passed through Pierce County and called on the
white settlers.
The settlement of Willow Creek, the forerunner to Pierce, was established in
1870. The first house was a slab and sod structure that would serve as a post
office, hotel and courthouse. When the county's first election was held on July
26 of that year, this settlement would be designated as the county seat and the
name changed to Pierce.
Pierce County residents immediately began building a courthouse. Using tax
dollars that had been collected, the county built a large, two-story frame
building for a cost of $4,000. In 1890 a brick courthouse and jail costing
$25,000 replaced the original structure. This building would serve the county
until the 1970s, when it became obvious to local residents that a larger, more
modern courthouse was needed.
Construction on the present courthouse began in 1974. The first wing, built
directly west of the 1890 courthouse, was occupied a year later. In 1977 the
original courthouse was demolished and construction began on the second wing,
which would complete the courthouse two years later.
The entire cost of the new courthouse was financed and paid for through revenue
sharing funds and courthouse and jail sinking funds. Upon completion, the
courthouse was completely paid for without new local taxation.
Geography: Land and Water
As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 575 square miles (1,490 km2), of which 573 square miles (1,480 km2) is
land and 1.3 square miles (3.4 km2) (0.2%) is water
Neighboring Counties
Bordering counties are as follows:
- Cedar County (northeast)
- Wayne County (east)
- Madison County (south)
- Antelope County (west)
- Knox County (north)
Education
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