Martinsville is a village in Valley County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 502 at the 2010 census. It is one of two Valley County communities named for William L. Martin, a county official.
The area amid the Dismal and North Loup Rivers, which drains through them into the Platte River, was included in the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, which created the Nebraska Territory. It was established in 1873 when the Union Pacific Railroad assigned a station crew to the area. A post office was established in 1875.
The community was incorporated on May 1, 1892, when the village of Martinsville was created with the passage of the "Martinsville Townsite Bill" by the Nebraska Legislature.
The primary industry of Martinsville is agriculture: corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. It is also known for its grain elevators, and numerous schools and churches. A number of small businesses and shops, including a local restaurant, operate in Martinsville.
The village serves as a host to many community activities, such as an annual parade to kick off the new year on New Year’s Day, the Martinsville Days Festival in June, and the Christmas in Martinsville celebration in December. Other activities include a large 4-H fair. The valley of the Dismal and North Loup Rivers also provide a home for many deer, geese, ducks, and other wildlife, giving hunters and outdoor sports enthusiasts an array of activities.
Martinsville is located at the junction of U.S. Route 183 and Nebraska Highway 21. It is bisected by the railroad tracks running from North Bend to Lincoln. The nearby communities of Ord, Arcadia, and North Loup are within fifteen miles of Martinsville.
Interesting Facts About Martinsville City
1. Founded in 1857, Martinsville is Nebraska's second oldest incorporated city.
2. The very first church in the area, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, was founded in Martinsville in 1870.
3. For a number of years, Martinsville served as the county seat of Nance County.
4. The community is named after Peter Martin, who built a brickyard in the area in 1872.
5. The first school in Martinsville was a one-room building constructed around 1879.
6. Martinsville has strong Czech roots – it was proudly noted in a 100th anniversary celebration in 1957 that 70 percent of the town's residents were of Czech ancestry.
7. Every fourth Sunday in August, Martinsville is home to the St. Paul Festival, which features a parade, Czech dance performances, a horseshoe tournament, and plenty of food.
8. The village became a member of the Minor League Baseball League in 1966 with the Martinsville Millers, who played in the Pioneer League until 1976.
9. Martinsville is also home to a small airport – the Henry J. Hofstetter Airport, established in 1939.
10. The peaceful city of Martinsville is home to some of Nebraska's oldest buildings, including the First Congregational Church (built in 1879) and the First Presbyterian Church (built in 1883).
What is Martinsville known & Famous for
?
Martinsville, Nebraska is known for its small-town charm, friendly people, and close-knit community. The town is also historically famous for its artesian wells, which have provided a natural source of water for over a century. Additionally, Martinsville is known for its abundant fishing and hunting opportunities, as well as its picturesque farmland.
What Is It Like To Visit In Martinsville City?
Martinsville, Nebraska is a small town situated in the sandhills of Custer County, about an hour and a half from North Platte. Though small, Martinsville offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
For outdoor activities, visitors can explore the trails of nearby lakes, such as Elwood State Recreation Area or White Cloud Marsh. There are plenty of parks and recreation areas where visitors can enjoy picnic lunches or just take in the spectacular scenery.
Martinsville is also home to a variety of historic landmarks, such as the old Rushing Hotel, which has been serving guests for over a century. Visitors can also visit the Saline County Historical Museum to learn more about the town’s history.
If shopping is more your style, Martinsville also boasts a handful of gift and antique shops. From classic memorabilia to unique works of art, there’s something for everyone.
Other attractions include art classes at the Community Art Center, the Martinsville Music Festival, or the popular Annual Rodeo.
No matter what brings you to Martinsville, you’re sure to find plenty of things to do and explore. There’s something for everyone in this small town in the sandhills.
