Gary is a village in Cedar County, Nebraska, United States. It is located along Highway 275, ten miles north of Hartington, the county seat. The population was 73 at the 2010 census.
The area now known as Gary was homesteaded by Dr. Gary Harmoning in 1873. It was officially platted in 1889 by W.G. Buchanan, the promoter of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad. Gary was a station stop on a branch of the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad. A town hall was built, businesses were opened, and in 1898 a post office was established.
In 1914, Gary was a bustling Village of about 800 people. At this time, the village boasted a pool hall, meat market, creamery, implement store, and blacksmith shop. The town also had a school, church, and several businesses.
The city has its own volunteer fire department, which was organized in 1957 and incorporated in 1962. It responds to fire and medical emergencies in and around the area. They regularly feature special events such as Halloween parades and pancake breakfasts.
The Gary Museum is located on the site of the old lumberyard and was opened in 2004. It is free of charge and showcases the history of the area. Thousands of visitors have seen displays of photos, artifacts, and memorabilia from the past.
Gary is a quiet place to come and relax. With the abundance of large lawns, people can often be seen pouring through the front yard playing disc golf or simply walking in the park, or even riding their bike on the sidewalk. Other outdoor recreation activities include fishing, camping, walking/running trails and ATV riding.
Interesting Facts About Gary City
1. Gary, NE is the smallest incorporated village in Nebraska with a population of only 55 in 2020.
2. The village has a strong sense of community and was once known for hosting some of the best attended youth sporting events in the entire state.
3. Gary is located just 5 miles from the Missouri River and 9 miles west of Sioux City, IA.
4. The local Gary Post Office was established in 1884 and is the only one in the U.S. with its namesake.
5. The town was named after Major General Elwell Otis Gary who served in the Civil War and the Spanish-American War.
6. Gary is home to several festivals and events such as the Gary Days comfest and the Gary Car Show.
7. Despite its small size, Gary, NE is home to a variety of businesses including a hardware store, gas station, cafe, liquor store, and bar.
What is Gary known & Famous for
Gary, Nebraska is a small rural community located in the northeastern part of the state. It is well-known for its annual Gary Days celebration, which is held each year during the third weekend in August. The festival includes a parade, music, and other entertainment, and features activities such as a carnival, an arts and crafts fair, a “tractor-pulling” contest, and an outdoor flea market. Gary is also famous for its legendary Gary Daze, an annual weekend celebration of the town’s heritage and culture which features live music, local foods, a beer garden, and fireworks. People come from all over the region to take part in the festivities.
What Is It Like To Visit In Gary City?
Gary, Nebraska is a small city located in Antelope County. As the county seat, it provides visitors with a convenient place to explore the surrounding rural landscape. Gary is largely a farming community with a population of less than 400 people. It is an inviting and welcoming place to spend an afternoon. Activities in the area include shopping, dining, and exploring its rural surroundings. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound just outside the city limits, including hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. Visitors will find plenty of friendly locals who are happy to offer insights into the history and culture of the area.
