A Little About Nebraska City (1997)

History Population Government
Commerce Industry Fire Department
Churches Recreation and Amusement Chamber of Commerce Web Site
Nebraska City Magazine


History: Nebraska City, the County Seat of Otoe County, named after the State of Nebraska, is located on ground previously occupied as a military post by the government and later abandoned. It is situated on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River in southeast Nebraska, 42 miles south of Omaha and 47 miles east of Lincoln. The original town of Nebraska City was platted and founded by Stephen F. Nuckolls in 1854 and incorporated as a city on March 2, 1855. Over 300 Nebraska City properties are listed on the National Registry of Historic Preservation.


Population: 6,639 (1994 Census)


Government: Nebraska City is classified as a First Class City and has a Commission form of City Government. Municipal elected officers are Mayor, Finance, Street, Park & Recreation and Public Works Commissioners. The Chief of Police, Fire Chief, City Attorney, City Clerk-Treasurer, City Physician, City Inspector and several boards are appointed by the Commission.


Commerce: The downtown business district contains many retail stores typical of a small town. Stores range from an old fashion ice cream parlor to antique shops, home appliances to clothing and everything in between. Located on the south edge of Nebraska City is a large outlet mall containing a number of factory outlet stores. The two areas are connected by South 11th Street on which two discount stores and numerous fast-food restaurants are located.


Industry: Sixteen manufacturers and processors, including meat packing, gas meter manufacturing, bagel bakery, clothing, plastics, woodworking and apple orchards, offer a wide selection of products.


Fire Department: The Nebraska City Volunteer Fire Department is the oldest fire department in continuous existence in the State of Nebraska originating in 1856 as the Otoe Hook and Ladder Company. Today the department consists of three companies, the Otoe Hook and Ladder Company, the Nebraska City Fire Company #1 and Great Western Fire Company. The fire department is authorized 45 active and 15 senior volunteers. Officers consist of a Chief, two assistant Chiefs and three captains.

The fire department provides fire protection to the City of Nebraska City and the Nebraska City Rural Fire District, an area of 114 square miles surrounding the city on the north, west and south. The City owns two pumpers, one aerial tower, a heavy rescue squad and a personnel carrier. The rural fire district owns a pumper, two tankers and two 4x4 grass trucks.

EMS is provided by the Nebraska City Rescue Squad, an organization separate from the fire department, using three EMS units.

Annually the fire department averages 150 fire calls and the rescue squad 900+ calls.


Nebraska City Churches:

Assembly of God Faith Baptist (SBC) First Baptist (GARBC)
 
Calvary Community
(Evangelical Free)		 St. Benedict's Catholic St. Mary's Catholic
 
First Christian
(Disciples of Christ)		 Church of Christ King's Church
(Pentecostal Church of God)
 
Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints		 St. Mary's Episcopal Jehovah's Witnesses
 
Christ Lutheran
(Missouri Synod)		 First Evangelical Lutheran First Presbyterian
 
Seventh Day Adventist
 Bethel United Church of Christ Shelter Fellowship
 
First United Methodist
 Four Square Church



Recreation and Amusement: Nebraska City has over 300 acres of park ground and all parks are equipped with picnic facilities and children's play equipment. Additionally, Steinhart Park offers tennis courts, horseshoe courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool and a number of baseball and softball diamonds. Wildwood Park has disc golf, sand volleyball court, and adjoins a municipal nine-hole golf course with grass greens. The State of Nebraska administers Riverview Marina and Campground on the Missouri River at Nebraska City. There are three indoor movie theaters, a bowling alley, a fine public library and a miniature golf course and arcade.



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