Cozad is a city in Dawson County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 3,957 at the 2010 census. Cozad is located along the Platte River in the south-central part of the state.
The first settlers in the area that would become Cozad arrived in 1873. Jonathan Cozad, a homesteader, arrived in 1876 and ultimately gave his name to the city that, in 1887, was established to serve as a shipping point for crops on the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad, a subsidiary of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. The town was incorporated in 1888.
By 1905, Cozad was a community of some 600 persons. It had a Board of Education and several telephone connections. The community was served by three newspapers and five churches. In 1906, Cozad had a public library—established through the efforts of the Monday Literary Club—and an opera house. In 1909, Cozad boasted a population of nearly 1,000 people and 245 dwellings.
Cozad is now home to a vibrant business community, with retail and service businesses including a hospital and two clinics, and several food, lodging and entertainment amenities. The city is served by Cozad Municipal Airport and a branch of Central Community College. It is also home to the Dawson County Fairgrounds.
Interesting Facts About Cozad City
1. The city was founded in 1872 when the Union Pacific Railroad Company surveyed and platted the town.
2. Cozad is named after John Cozad, a Union Pacific Railroad surveyor.
3. Cozad was declared a village in 1887, and was incorporated as a city in 1891.
4. Cozad was a stop along the Oregon-California-Mormon Trail, which passed through the area in 1867.
5. Cozad is located in the Nebraska Sandhills, and the nearby Dismal River was the site of an annual rendezvous in the 1800s.
6. The Cozad Museum, located in the former Cozad Presbyterian Church, opened in 1975 and houses artifacts from the city's history.
7. Cozad is the birthplace of former governor and US Senator Bob Kerrey.
8. The massive Kingsley Dam, located 8 miles east of Cozad, was built in 1950 to provide flood control and irrigation for the area.
9. The South Platte River, which meanders through the western edge of Cozad, is home to a variety of fish and waterfowl.
10. Cozad is home to the only bird sanctuary in the state of Nebraska. The 14,000 acre park is home to many migratory birds as well as a few resident species.
What is Cozad known & Famous for
?
Cozad, Nebraska is best known for its history of cattle ranching and for being the home of Cowboy Country, a museum dedicated to the historical figures and cowboy culture of Nebraska. The museum was founded in 1979 and has since grown to include a collection of historic artifacts, memorabilia, and displays on a wide variety of topics related to the Great Plains. Cozad is also known for its nearby outdoor attractions, such as Fort Robinson State Park and the scenic Sandhills of Nebraska.
What Is It Like To Visit In Cozad City?
Cozad is a small city in Dawson County, Nebraska. Located approximately seventy-four miles west of Grand Island, Cozad is known as the “Crossroads of the Plains.” Cozad offers visitors a charming, small-town atmosphere, ample outdoor recreation, excellent restaurants and eateries, and a variety of exciting shopping and cultural opportunities.
The area around Cozad has vast stretches of grassland, prairies, and rolling hills, all of which make for excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and more. Nearby Lake McConaughy, the state’s largest lake, provides visitors with a variety of activities.
The city’s downtown district boasts numerous restaurants and eateries, including one food truck. Visitors can also enjoy shopping in Cozad’s many retail stores, antiques shops, and galleries. The city also offers a range of cultural attractions, such as the Cozad Historical Museum and the Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts. Visitors can also attend special events throughout the year, such as the annual Dawson County Fair, the Cozad Rodeo, and the Cozad Downtown Art Night.
Visiting Cozad is a great way to appreciate the beauty of Nebraska’s plains and enjoy a quaint rural community.
