St. John is a village in St. John Township, Howard County, in the state of Nebraska, United States. The population was 124 at the 2010 census. St. John is located approximately 15 miles (24 km) northwest of St. Paul, one of the county seats of Howard County, Nebraska.
The village was founded on October 20, 1887. At that time it was an unincorporated, small Swedish-American farming community of about 40 town lots and 140 inhabitants. In 1908 the plat of St. John was officially recorded in the County Recorder’s office of Howard County.
Throughout the late 19th century and early 20th century, the village flourished as a vibrant farming community. In 1918, St. John was incorporated as a village following a vote of its residents. Following its incorporation, the village was served by a post office, a doctor, a barber, a general store, a school, and a telephone exchange.
Today, St. John is a small, close-knit community, relying primarily on agriculture for its economic growth. The majority of its residents are of Swedish descent. There is a bed and breakfast and several successful small businesses. The school district is small and close-knit, with single-classroom schools for elementary, middle, and high school. St. John's parish is served by St. John's Lutheran Church, built in 1899.
Interesting Facts About St. John City
1. St. John is one of the many Swedish settlements that were founded in Nebraska in the 19th century.
2. The roots of St. John began in 1888 when Swedish settlers pooled their resources together to buy a 20-acre piece of land.
3. The St. John Lutheran Church is the original house of worship of the community. It was built in 1890 and remains a fixture in the city.
4. The city takes its name from St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of Sweden.
5. The St. John Museum was established in the early 1980s to preserve and tell the story of the city’s Swedish heritage.
6. St. John is home to the annual St. John’s Swedish Festival, which draws people from all over the Midwest to celebrate its Swedish cultural heritage.
7. The nearest big city to St. John is Omaha, which is 24 miles away.
8. St. John has a total area of 0.22 square miles, and a population of about 524 people.
What is St. John known & Famous for
St. John, Nebraska is best known for being the home of the St. John's Lutheran Church. The congregation was established in 1864 and is the oldest church organization in the community. The church is also famous for its historic cemetery, which has over 750 graves, including some of the earliest settlers in the area.
What Is It Like To Visit In St. John City?
St. John, NE is a charming small town with plenty of activities to enjoy. The city has a number of parks and walking trails, as well as historic buildings and landmarks to explore. There is a farmer's market for fresh produce and baked goods, and a Drive-In movie theatre for attendees to enjoy films in the summer months. The local golf course is known for its lush and well-maintained greens. St John is also home to a number of restaurants, ranging from traditional diner fare to more upscale options. For those looking for a weekend away, St. John is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a slower pace of life.
