Columbus is a city in Platte County, Nebraska, United States; the county seat is North Platte. The population was 22,111 at the 2010 census. It is the principal city of the Columbus, NE Micropolitan Statistical Area, which consists of Platte County.
Columbus is located in east-central Nebraska in an area known as the Platte Valley, on the Platte River, east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The Midwest's largest aquifer, the Ogallala Aquifer, underlies the area. Known as "The Gate City of the West," it was one of the early freight-shipping points on the Pony Express and later on the transcontinental railroad. The city is home to the Columbus Air Force Base, which is a major employer in the area.
The city was platted in 1856–57 and incorporated on January 12, 1875, after the earlier incorporation of Newport, six miles northwest, had been dissolved. It was named for Christopher Columbus and was the county seat of Platte County until 1899, when it was moved to North Platte. The famous Pony Express station was built nearby in 1860.
Interesting Facts About Columbus City
1. The city of Columbus was founded in 1856 and was originally known as “Lone Tree Ferry”.
2. Columbus was the hometown of the world’s first and only successful all-black flying squadron in World War II, the famous “Tuskegee Airmen”.
3. In 2006, Columbus was named the “Road Trip Capital of Nebraska” by the Nebraska Department of Roads due to its excellent transportation infrastructure and cultural amenities.
4. The city has four different museums that house artifacts and provide education to visitors.
5. Columbus also has the only helicopter museum in Nebraska.
What is Columbus known & Famous for
?
Columbus, Nebraska is known for its strong Czech heritage, and as the "Foster Care Capital of the United States". The town is home to the Nebraska Foster Care Review Board which manages 6,000 cases of foster care in Nebraska, and its members regularly work with state and federal legislators in the name of foster care reform. Columbus is also a great destination for outdoor adventure, with access to the Platte River and its beautiful array of wildlife. There is also a booming downtown with shops, restaurants, and art galleries to explore, as well as nearby amenities like Poky Feeders, an outdoor concert venue, and the famous Columbus Sculpture Walk.
What Is It Like To Visit In Columbus City?
Columbus is a small town in Nebraska with a population of about 22,000. The city has a quaint, small-town charm where many people know one another and the friendly residents are quick to welcome visitors. With a variety of attractions, including historic sites, museums, parks, and popular restaurants, there is always something to do in Columbus. The city is great for outdoorsy activities, from fishing on the Platte River to exploring the area’s many forests and parks. There is also a fair amount of shopping to be done in Columbus, with a variety of stores downtown and in the area’s larger malls. Most importantly, Columbus is a great place for visitors to get a real taste of the Midwest and experience some friendly Nebraska hospitality.
