Rushville is a city in Sheridan County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 1,542 at the 2010 census and is currently estimated at 1,571 (2018). It is the county seat of Sheridan County.
The city was named for its founder, Cornelius Rush, who arrived from Ohio in 1880. The first post office in Rushville was established in 1886. The community originally developed as a trading center along the cattle trails established by the cowboys who drove herds from Texas to the railheads in Montana.
The town was incorporated in 1892. In its early years, Rushville was also a stop for mail carriers traveling between Sidney, Nebraska, and Rapid City, South Dakota, providing assistance and supplies.
Major industries in the early years included livestock, some agriculture and ranching, lumber, and mercantile businesses. In 1992 the city celebrated its centennial.
Rushville's modest growth since then has included the building of several additional housing developments and a new hospital. Other amenities include a school, community center, aquatic center, library, several churches, and various service organizations.
Interesting Facts About Rushville City
1. Rushville is the county seat of Sheridan County and has a population around 700.
2. The town was founded in 1886 by members of the Republican Valley Colony and named by A.L.Spencer.
3. The town was originally located north of its present location and moved to its present location in 1898.
4. Rushville is known for being the hometown of renowned authors Sarah Robinson and Walker Percy.
5. The town is also known for its unique "horseshoe drive" which is a 2-mile loop of residential streets surrounding a large green park.
6. The town is home to the Nebraska Playhouse, an outdoor regional theater founded by well-known Nebraska actors.
7. A local golf club was established in Rushville in 1923 and is now operated by the Sheridan County Recreation Foundation and offers opportunities for both youth and adults to learn the game of golf.
8. Every summer Rushville hosts a free Street Fair which features art, food vendors, and a car show.
9. The Logan Fontenelle Memorial Museum and Indian Store, funded by a donation from the Fontenelle family, is one of the oldest museums in Nebraska and houses an impressive collection of Native American artifacts.
10. Rushville is located along U.S. Route 20 making it a great spot for travelers to stop and explore the Wild West of Nebraska and its historical sites.
What is Rushville known & Famous for
Rushville, Nebraska is known as the "Gateway to the West." It is located in the western part of the state near the South Dakota border, and has a rich history of settlement and expansion in the United States. It is home to the Rushville Roundup, an annual rodeo that takes place each summer. It is also known for its well-known, historic downtown area, which is home to several businesses and shops.
What Is It Like To Visit In Rushville City?
Rushville is a small city in the pristine Panhandle of Nebraska, surrounded by rolling hills and vast prairie. The city offers outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, and hunting. In town, there are two museums - the Rushville Museum and the Fort Sidney and the Sidney Historical Museum - where you can learn about the history of the area. The Rushville Public Library is also a great place to find books, movies, and other resources. Rushville is the perfect place to spend a day or two exploring the unique culture of the Nebraska Panhandle.