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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.Saline County, Nebraska
Saline County Education, Geography, and History
Saline County is a county located in the state of Nebraska. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 14,200. Its county seat is Wilber.
Etymology - Origin of Saline County Name
Saline County was created by an act of the Territorial Legislature in January 1855 and was officially organized in February 1867, the year Nebraska was admitted to the Union. The county derives its name from a belief held by the early pioneers that great salt springs and deposits could be found in the area. The pioneers' supposition, however, proved to be false.
Demographics:
County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts
Saline County History
At the time Saline County was organized, the settlement of Swan City was
designated to serve as the county seat. This settlement was located just west of
the present day DeWitt. Swan City would be the first of three sites that would
serve as the home of the county's government.
In 1871 an election was called to settle a contest that had developed over where
the county seat should be located. Vying for the honor were Swan City, Crete,
Dorchester and Pleasant Hill. Voters selected the latter settlement and in July
of that year county records were moved from Swan City to Pleasant Hill.
Within six years this issue would surface once more and a special election would
be called for Sept. 4, 1877. In the first of what would be three elections that
year, Pleasant Hill, Crete, Wilber, Dorchester, Friend and Center competed.
Since none of the sites received a majority vote, another election was held two
weeks later. This time voters were asked to choose from Pleasant Hill, Crete and
Wilber. Once again a majority was not gained by any of the three and the
election served only to eliminate Pleasant Hill. Finally, during the Nov. 6
general election, Wilber won out over Crete with a majority of 230 votes.
Pleasant Hill would not easily relinquish the county records, however. On Jan.
28, 1878, a contingent of 300 people representing Wilber drove 160 wagons and
teams to Pleasant Hill to secure the records. Due to this show of strength and
force, Pleasant Hill finally succumbed.
The cornerstone for the present courthouse in Wilber was laid on June 5, 1928
and 12 months later the building was formally dedicated.
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 574 square miles (1,490 km2) is
land and 2.3 square miles (6.0 km2) (0.4%) is water.
Neighboring Counties
Bordering counties are as follows:
- Lancaster County (northeast)
- Gage County (southeast)
- Jefferson County (south)
- Fillmore County (west)
- Seward County (north)
Education
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