Columbus is a city in Platte County, Nebraska, United States. It is the county seat and largest city of Platte County, and the home of the first train ferry across the Missouri River. With a population of 22,111 in 2020, it is the second-largest city in Nebraska outside the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area.
Founded in 1856, Columbus was named after Christopher Columbus. The original settlement of the city was centered around the wooden alley bridge, with a few other bridges connecting the area's two sides. The area was primarily agricultural, but during the early 19th century, early industry, such as a whiskey distillery, sawmill, tannery, and blacksmith, began. Later, an opera house, livery stable and roller flour mills were located in the city.
In 1894, the first train ferry across the Missouri River began operation. This service continued until the completion of the I-480 bridge in 1960. Columbus became a city in 1929, and the following year it merged with its sister city of Richland, located just 1 mile south. This merger increased the population to over 5,000 and outside interests began to flock to the area. In 1971, the first ever McDonald's restaurant in Nebraska opened in Columbus.
Today, Columbus has many industries, such as a large metal stamping plant and a manufacturing plant for U.S. government supplies, that help provide jobs for the area. The city also offers a great quality of life, with numerous parks, a beach and lake area, plenty of recreational activities, and a historic downtown.
Interesting Facts About Columbus City
1. The city of Columbus was founded on the banks of the Loup River in 1856 as a trading post based upon the treaty between the Ponca and the US government.
2. Columbus is the home of the world's first railroad roundhouse which was built in 1876.
3. The city is also home to one of the oldest golf courses in Nebraska, which was founded in 1923.
4. Columbus has the highest per capita rate of volunteer firefighters in the country, with more than 600 volunteer firefighters.
5. The 'Columbian' Newspaper, started in 1860, is the oldest continuously published newspaper in Nebraska.
6. The Columbus Antique Mall is the second largest antique mall in Nebraska and the third largest in Nebraska.
7. Columbus is the home of the most active branch of the United Auto Workers Union (UAW) in Nebraska.
8. Columbus is also home to one of the oldest running farmers markets, with over 120 vendors each week in peak season.
9. The city of Columbus held the first bed race in Nebraska in 1962; today bed racing is a popular event in the city and the surrounding area.
10. The Columbus Public Library is the largest in Nebraska, boasting over 306,000 items in their collection.
What is Columbus known & Famous for
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Columbus, Nebraska is known for its rich architectural history and for its role in contributing to the American railroads. It is also known for its historic downtown area with its handcrafted brickwork of yesteryear, its diverse cultural attractions, and for hosting a number of annual festivals and events, including the Platte County Fair and Nebraska Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
What Is It Like To Visit In Columbus City?
Visiting Columbus, Nebraska is a great way to experience what small-town life looks like. Thanks to the friendly locals and many attractions (such as the Platte River State Park, the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, and the Omaha Zoo), you'll soon feel at home. And with plenty of outdoor activities to do, history and culture to explore, and amazing restaurants to try, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time. Plus, you can wrap up your trip with a shopping spree at the many local boutiques. So if you’re looking for a fun, off-the-beaten-path destination, give Columbus, Nebraska a try!
