Decatur is a village in southeastern Gage County, Nebraska. It sits at the intersection of Nebraska Highway 8 and Nebraska Highway 103. The city also has a public park, library, charter school, and recreational center with a pool. The population was 273 at the 2010 census.
Decatur was platted in 1870 after the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad was extended to that point. The village was named after Stephen Decatur, the American naval hero of the War of 1812. The earliest settlers are believed to have arrived in the area in the mid-1800s, where they lived on the vast prairie of the region.
In the late 19th century, the village boasted a brightly painted buggy, a barber shop, restaurant, photograph gallery, and boot and shoe stores. Lutherans, Catholics, and Methodists founded churches and schools in the area during this time.
Initially, Decatur's economy relied heavily on agricultural activity, with its flat terrain providing ideal conditions for both crop and livestock production. In the late 20th century, with its close proximity to Lincoln, the city transitioned to a largely residential community.
Today, Decatur remains an important agricultural and commercial center, with its main industries centered on food processing, manufacturing, and retail. Decatur also boasts a strong education system in the form of a charter school, various churches, and Boy and Girl Scouts, all of which help contribute to the city's overall sense of community.
Interesting Facts About Decatur City
1. The city of Decatur is named after the historic steamboat, the Decatur, which ran on the Missouri River until it was destroyed in 1881.
2. Decatur's old water tower holds a hidden secret – it is the home of an artificial bald eagle nest.
3. The Decatur County Courthouse, the county seat of Decatur, Nebraska, has been in continuous use since 1883.
4. The Decatur County Historical Museum, opened in July 2014, is the only museum in North America dedicated to the history and culture of Decatur County.
5. The Decatur Town Clock was built in 1909 in the style of a Victorian-era clock tower.
6. Decatur is the birthplace of Norman Parks Russell, the first Native American to enlist in the United States Army during World War I.
7. The Decatur Welcome Center, opened in 2006, is the only commercial building to be built using straw bale construction in the United States.
8. The Decatur Parks and Recreation Department manages 10 parks and recreational activities including swimming, fishing, and boating.
9. The Decatur Public Library, opened in 1907, is one of the oldest libraries in Nebraska.
10. Decatur is home to the only annual Hot-Air Balloon Rally in Nebraska, which takes place in the summer.
What is Decatur known & Famous for
Decatur is known for its friendly atmosphere and the many recreational opportunities it offers. It is most famous for being the home of the Decatur County Fair, which is held annually in the month of August. Other popular activities in Decatur include fishing, hunting, camping, and visiting the Decatur State Park.
What Is It Like To Visit In Decatur City?
Decatur, NE is a small town in the state of Nebraska and can be a great place to visit. It's home to a few small businesses, like a grocery store and a hardware store, and looks like a typical small Midwestern town. There isn't much to do in Decatur aside from seeing the sights and enjoying the friendly atmosphere. The main attractions in the town are the Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge and the Eagles Nest Observatory, both of which are great places to visit. The town is a great spot for peaceful walks in the fresh air and conversing with the locals. Decatur is a great place to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
