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Logan County Historic Overview
Physical Description
Logan county Sand Hills and Loess Hills regions of Nebraska. It is bordered
by Lincoln, McPherson, Thamas, Blaine, and Custer counties. A branch of the
Loup River flows through the southern portion of the county. Although Logan
County has few of the numerous lakes characteristic of counties to the north,
its overall topography distinguishes it as part of the Nebraska Sand Hills.
The Sand Hills region of the state is composed of hilly land of low to high
sand dunes stabilized by grass cover. These dunes mantle stream-deposited, sand,
gravel and sandstone. The sandhills prairie and topography are unique to Nebraska
and North America. The region is drained by the Loup River system except along
the northern edge which is drained by the Niobrara River. The Loess Hills geographic
zone is characterized by dissected plains topography. The area is drained by
the extensive Loup River system, which flows out of the sandhills from the northwest.
Native vegetation is pedominantly mixed prairie grasses, composed of bluestem,
buffalo, and grama grasses. Like its surrounding counties, Logan has never had
a large population and remains today one of the least populated counties in
the state.
Orginal Inhabitants
Prior to nineteeth-century white settlement, the Pawnee and Sioux Native American
tribes claimed the land of the Sand Hills as hunting grounds. The two tribes
disputed various tracts between themselves. The Pawnee claimed the drainage
area of the Loup River as their hunting grounds and camped near the mouth of
the river. The Sioux claimed lands east to the fork of the Platte River and
north to the mouth of the White River in South Dakota as their hunting grounds.
Both tribes depended on the bison, which roamed the sandhills in vast numbers
as their primary source of food and raw material.
Other Native American tribes in Nebraska included the Omaha, Otoe, and Ponca,
all of whom were more sedentary than the Sioux or Pawnee. Between 1854 and 1876
all territories in Nebraska claimed by Native American tribes had been acquired
by the United States government either through treaty and/or coercion. The final
treaty, in 1876, opened the Sand Hills region to settlement.
Settlement of Nebraska
The first Europeans to reach what would become Nebraska were Spanish soldiers
in search of mythical Quivira. By the early 1700's the French had begun to move
into the trans-Missouri country. In 1763 the Spanish, through the Treaty of
Paris assumed possession of all land west of the Mississippi River. In 1800,
the French took possession of the region under the Treaty of San Ildefonso.
However, in 1803 the French under Napolean, sold this vast expanse of land to
the Americans for about 4 cents an acre or fifteen million dollars. The Louisiana
Purchase, as the exchange was called, included territory that would become Nebraska.
In 1803, the federal government began plans to initiate exploration of their
new possession with the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition. Undertaken "for purposes
of extending the external commerce of the United States", Congress appropriated
$2,500.00 for the expedition. In the spring of 1804, members of the exploration
team left the St. Louis area and by July 1804, had made their first camp near
the mouth of the Little Nemaha River in what would eventually become Nebraska.
The vast area of land obtained through the Louisiana Purchase was designed by
Congress in 1834 as land reserved for Native Americans. During the first half
of the nineteenth-century, this region was traversed by fur trappers, missionaries,
and westward bound settlers. Examples of Pre-Territorial (1804-1854) establishments
in Nebraska include Fort Atkinson(1820's) on the Missouri River, and the Moses
Merrill Baptist Mission (1833) near Bellvue.
Another important aspect of settlement in Nebraska during the Pre-Territorial
Period(1804-1854) establishments in Nebraska include Fort Atkinson (1820's)
on the Missouri River, and the Moses Merrill Baptist Mission (1833) near Belluvue.
Another important aspect of settlement in Nebraska during the Pre-Territorial
Period (1804-1854), was the presence of the Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails;
all of which passed through the southern half of the state. These trails passed
westward though the Platte River valley and were primarily used between 1841
and 1848. These trails brought many people and oppportunities for trade to the
region.
Nebraska Territory was officially established in 1854, and the first legislature
convened in January, 1855. During the Territorial Period (1854-1867), the majority
of settlement took place in the southeast and eastern sections of the state.
In this period, settlement occurred through either the provisions of the Pre-Emption
Law of 1841, purchase of military bounty land warrant, or by direct purchase.
The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed for more liberal disbursement of public domain,
and allowed settlers to acquire between 40 and 160 acres of land without the
standard per acre fee if they remained on the claim for five years and met a
specified level of improvments (i.e. buildings, land under cullivation). A significant
amount of settlement in Nebraska occurred primarily under the impetus of the
Homestead Act, or later under the provistions of the 1904 Kinkaid Act.
Nebraska became a state in 1867 with its present borders defined. In the early
1860's, the federal government began planning a trans-continental railway line
for the transportation of people and goods which would unite the country. The
railroad would extend through Nebraska beginning at a point near Omaha. In 1867,
the route was completed when the Union Pacific and Central Pacific lines joined
in Utah. Development of the line through Nebraska had a major impact on the
settlement and growth of small towns and communities throughout the western
region of the state, and the state as a whole. Inland counties, without a railroad
through their borders, generally developed at a slower rate and often did not
achieve the kinds of settlement and sustained populations in counties through
which a line ran. In counties where the railroad extended, towns or proposed
towns, prospered or failed depending on the location of a depot or siding.
While eastern, northeastern, and central regions of the state had been settled
during the Settlement and Expansion Period (1867-1890), the Sand Hills region
of Nebraska was only just beginning to be settled. This region, encompassing
a great portion of western Nebraska north of the Platte River, was generally
not suitable for the agricultural activities pursued in the rest of the state.
Since the 1870's, cattlemen had free-ranged vast herds in the area. In the late
1860's and early 1870's, Texas cattlemen began to drive their herds north on
the Texas Trail to feed in Nebraska. The free-range cattle companies established
large ranches in the Sand Hills region and operated until conflicts with the
federal government divided the land into smaller homestead parcels.
Although settlement had begun in the Sand Hills region during the Settlement
and Expansion era (1867-1890), it wasn't until the Development and Growth Period
in Nebraska (1890-1920) that significant permanent settlement was established.
The most significant impetus for extensive settlement of the Sand Hills during
this period was the passge of the Kincaid Act on June 28, 1904. Designed to
encourage settlement in the Sand Hills region, the Kinkaid Act allowed homesteaders
to file 640 acre claims, as opposed to the previous 160 acres. This act recognized
that the arid Sand Hills region required a larger parcel of land for the application
of farming and ranching practices. The Kincaid Act was responsible for the largest
census figures to date (1920) for many of the Sand Hills counties. Although
many Kinkaid homesteads eventually sold out to larger ranching endeavors, the
act successfully disposed of the public lands in the area.
The social and economic success of the Development and Growth Period (1890-1920)
came to an end with the era of the Great Depression (1929-1941). By December,
1932, agricultural prices were the lowest in state history; and the farmers'
purchasing power continued to decline. Many people left the western section
of the state and some towns ceased to exist. Populations declined and much commercial
development came to a halt. The end of the Depression, followed by the onset
of World War II (1941-1945), combined to stabilize not only the Sand Hills but
the state as a whole. Economically, Nebraska benefited from the War through
the arrival of new industries. Training facilities, ordnance plants and a bomber
production plant were located in the state. As the War drew to a close, a new
and lasting prosperity had begun in the state.
Further stability has been witnessed during the Post-War Period in Nebraska,
(1946-present). The agricultural prosperity that began during World War II continued
on into the 1950's and 1960's. Economic development and increased agricultural
technology have vaulted the region into an era of advanced irrigation and range
management techniques. So while the number of farms and rural population decreased,
agricultural output increased to new highs.
County History
The Territorial Period, 1854-1867 in Nebraska brought little settlement to the
region which would become Logan County. The territory that became Logan County
was opened for settlement during the Settlement and Development period (1867-1890)
by the federal government in 1884. The following year a group of soldiers arrived
in the area to establish a community; they located near the site of Logan, in
a small valley. In 1885 a vote was taken to determine the site of the county
seat. The members of the Logan settlement had confidently built a two-story
frame courthouse with cupola. Their efforts, however, were premature since Gandy,
a new townsite, won the county seat designation in the election. Gandy was officially
platted in November 1885. The courthouse which had been constructed in Logan
was eventually used as a barn.
The county experienced many changes during the Development and Growth period
(1890-1920). Perhaps the most notable being the establishment of the Kinkaid
Act in 1904 and completion of the railroad in 1912. Passge of the Kinkaid Act
brought many new settlers who took up unclaimed land in the region. A surge
in population resulted in establishment of many county post offices. However,
a steady decline in population caused the demise of many of these. The railroad
arrived in the county in 1912 but never reached Gandy; the line ran two miles
north of the town. In response, many early businesses left Gandy to relocate
at the railroad's terminus, where the new town of Stapleton was established.
A battle for the county seat soon followed. In an attempt to retain the county
seat, Gandy incorporated in 1911, thereby forcing Union Pacific to build a depot
near the community. Gandy's efforts, however, were in vain and after the 1929
election, the county seat was moved to Stapleton.
In the Post-War period (1945 to Present), many modern conveniences arrived in
Logan County. Telephone service became available to residents during the early
1950's Along with telephone communication came comprehensive electrical service,
although both Gandy and Stapleton had previously been serviced by North Platte
utilities. Two state highways run through the county aiding the railroad in
shipment of goods and people. Highway #92 runs east/west from Arnold to Stapleton
and on to Tryon. Running north/south is Highway #83 connecting Stapleton south
to North Platte and north to Thedford.
Logan County Towns
The county seat, Stapleton, had its beginnings in 1911 when the Union Pacific
Railroad bypassed Gandy and created Stapleton at the rail line's terminus. The
town was platted by the Lincoln Land Company in 1913 and a depot was built soon
after. One of the first buildings in Stapleton was a small jail house; it was
later used as a storage building on a nearby farm. Other early buildings in
Stapleton were those belonging to businesses that abandoned the bypassed town
of Gandy.
Between 1912 and 1929, Stapleton experienced an influential period of growth.
This period of development was due to the relocation of the county seat in 1929
to Stapleton. Businesses, churches, schools, and organizations established in
Stapeleton adding economic and social stability to the community. Stapleton's
first bank, relocated to Stapleton in 1912. The American Legion and its auxillary
established a Stapleton post in 1912.
As previously mentioned, the Logan county seat relocated from Gandy to Stapleton
in 1929. Courthouse duties were carried out from the old Nicholas Hotel which
had also been moved from Gandy. This building was remodelled in the 1930's with
help from the Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.). The courthouse burned
in 1962 and has been replaced by a one-story brick courthouse which continues
to serve Logan County.
Later Organizations in Stapleton include: Eastern Star, which relocated from
Gandy to Stapleton in 1943, Veterans of Foreign War; established in 1946, and
the Assembly of God church; built in 1955 after establishment in 1953. In 1950,
the circa 1915 grandstand was torn down with a newer one being constructed in
its place. Later a dance floor was added to the structure providing additional
social activity for the community.
Gandy is located three and one half miles east of Stapleton and is the only
other incorporated town in Logan County. Jim Gandy, a businessman from Broken
Bow, donated the land which became the town bearing his name. During its years
as county seat, Gandy boasted two parks, a courthouse square, and many supporting
businesses. Growth was accelerated by enactment of the Kinkaid Act of 1904 and
anticipation of the Union Pacific Railroad in 1911. Ironically, the railroad
would eventually hinder Gandy more than it would help. Disagreement regarding
the right-of-way adjacent to Gandy resulted in an arbitrary move by Union Pacific
to relocate the rail line two miles north of town. In 1929, the county seat
relocated to the new townsite of Stapleton. As a result, between 1930 and 1940,
Gandy's population dropped from 300 to 100.
Early businesses in Gandy included two banks, a meat market, grain elevator,
lumber yard, and stockyard. Today, only two associated buildings were identified
for reconnaissaince level documentation. One consists of a one-story frame with
false-front building which is abandoned and deteriorated. The second documented
commercial building is the former I.O.O.F./Gandy Cash Store. The two story brick
building was built during Gandy's prominent years and reflects the town's early
prosperity.
Religious organizations that relocated from Gandy to Stapleton included a Presbyterian
and Catholic congregations. Gandy Methodist church services discontinued in
1965. Through the years, school enrollment declined, forcing the Gandy high
school to close in 1957 and the grade school in 1960. Today the one story cememnt
block former county courthouse in Gandy, has been converted to a residence.
Immediately east of this building is the former county jail; which was included
in the inventory of historic buildings.
Other Logan County communities include Logan, Whittier, Cody Lake and the Dorp
area. Logan, as mentioned earlier in this text, was the original town site in
Logan County. Resulting from the county seat elections in 1885, the original
town of Logan lost to Gandy and faded into memory. In 1922, Union Pacific established
a new town of Logan three miles from the old site. At one time there were three
general stores in Logan and other community businesses. Whittier, Cody Lake
and Dorp can better be classified as rural neighborhoods rather than communities.
Agriculture and Ranching
The presence of south Loup River in southern Logan County creates an area of
transition between the Sand Hills Range Livestock Production region to the north
and Loess Hills region to the south. Despite the division of the county into
two type-of-farming regions, the primary effort of local ranch owners is the
production of cattle.
Characterized by the grass covered dunes of the Sandhills region, northern Logan
County provides excellent land for cattle grazing. This portion of Logan County
is classified in the sand Hills Range Livestock Production region of the state.
Cattle production and related agricultural practices are the major economic
enterprise in the county. Many ranchers depend on their hay crops to feed herds
through the winter. Events such as the Great Depression, the drought of the
the 1930's and the recession of the 1980's has contributed to family and corporate
ranches consisting of thousands of acres.
The south-central and southeastern portions of Logan County lie in the Loess
Hills geographic zone of Nebraska and are characterized by dissected plains
topography. This is a region of transition between the Sandhills of north central
Nebraska and the farming country of south and east Nebraska. In Logan County,
the predominant aspects of the Loess Hills Livestock, General Farming, and Cash
Grain region consists of cattle grazing and hay production.
Conclusion
Logan County was opened for settlement by the federal government in 1884. Two
major influences in settlement of this region occurred with the Kinkaid Act
(1904) and the arrival of the railroad (1911). Stapleton became the county seat
in 1929 replacing Gandy which held it since 1885. Stapleton and Gandy remain
the only incorporated towns in Logan County. Historically, as is true today,
Logan County's mainstay is primarily cattle ranching. Events such as the Great
Depression, the drought of the 1930's and the recession of the 1980's have contributed
to the decline in population, making Logan one of the least populated counties
in Nebraska.
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