O'Neill is a city in Holt County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 3,141 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Holt County. O'Neill was founded in 1887, when the Fremont, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad was extended to that point. O'Neill was named after John O'Neill, a railroad construction contractor. The town originally developed in a southwesterly direction from the depot. The city was incorporated on June 16, 1889, when the population had grown to 300.
The American Bank Building, in the center of a three-block district of commercial buildings, was completed in 1901. The building is the oldest bank building in Nebraska still used as a bank. In October 1915, O'Neill was devastated by a tornado that destroyed or damaged a third of the town.
Today, O'Neill is the home to two geriatric hospitals—the O'Neill Care Center and Heritage of O'Neill—retail businesses, an agricultural base, a city park, several recreational lakes and much more. Agriculture, light industry, retail, and service businesses form the economic base of the community. O'Neill is also a key wholesale, trade, and travel center
for the region, serving a 50-mile radius. It is home to a municipal airport, and nearby tourist attractions include several campgrounds, a hunting preserve, a trail riding area, and the Niobrara National Scenic River.
Interesting Facts About O'Neill City
1. O'Neill is the county seat of Holt County in Nebraska.
2. The city was founded in 1872 and was named after Civil War General, General John O'Neill, who led a force of Irish Catholic soldiers defending north-eastern Pennsylvania from Confederate raiders.
3. O'Neill has a colorful history and its downtown was listed as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
4. It is home to St. Mary’s Church, one of the oldest churches in the state, and St. Mary's Academy, Nebraska's oldest school.
5. The city is known for its various murals, most of which depict local historical and cultural scenes.
6. The O'Neill country fair is held in the city every year, and it includes a rodeo, live music and a parade.
7. O'Neill is a major agricultural area and is known for its livestock production.
8. It also has Omaha Beef Plant, which employs close to 300 people and is the largest employer in the city.
9. The city is home to a young population with an average age of 27.
10. O'Neill also has a large number of grain elevators and it is the grain center of the region.
What is O'Neill known & Famous for
O'Neill, Nebraska is known for its long history of rodeo and cowboy culture, with the High Plains Segment of the Cowboy Trail running directly through the town. It is the home of the O’Neill Rodeo Hall of Fame, which honors legendary local rodeo cowboys and cowgirls. The Irish Days Festival and parade are held every summer in O'Neill, making it a popular tourist destination.
What Is It Like To Visit In O'Neill City?
Visiting O'Neill, Nebraska is like visiting a peaceful and inviting small town. Enjoy the local scenery, take a walk through the peaceful downtown streets, or embrace the city's laid-back vibe by hanging out in local restaurants, pubs, and cafés. Explore the O'Neill Lake Park or take a hike in the nearby hills. Browse the local shops and take home unique souvenirs, or take a short drive and explore the area’s sioux and cowboy heritage and culture. There are also some great restaurants, live music, and festivals to enjoy while in O'Neill.
