LINCOLN COUNTY HISTORY AND LOOKUP (FORMERLY SHORTER COUNTY)

County History Books

An Illustrated History of Lincoln County, Nebraska by Ira L. Bare, Will H. Mcdonald, (1920) – 456 Pages
Source: Hathitrust
Book ID: CH.2024.10.14.2010.CD.HT

History of the City of Lincoln, Nebraska; With Brief Historical Sketches of the State and of Lancaster County by Hayes, Arthur Badley, 1859-; Cox, Samuel D, (1889) – 408 Pages
Source: Internet Archive
Book ID: CH.2025.11.27.1500.AR

Lincoln County, Nebraska: A Genealogical Overview

Positioned in the heart of west-central Nebraska, Lincoln County stands as a crossroads of American history. Its story is defined by the great westward migrations along the Platte River, the transformative power of the Union Pacific Railroad, and the enduring legacy of the American West. Centered around its county seat, North Platte, a legendary railroad town, the county’s heritage is rich with the stories of pioneers, cowboys, soldiers, and railroaders. For genealogists, the county’s records are a gateway to understanding the settlement and development of the Great Plains.

I. County Formation and Evolution

Lincoln County’s formation is tied directly to the push westward and the organization of Nebraska Territory. It began as a massive county from which many others were later carved.

  • 1860: County Formed: The area was first established by the territorial legislature as Shorter County in 1860. The county was formally organized in 1861.
  • 1866: Renamed Lincoln County: Following the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Shorter County was officially renamed Lincoln County in 1866.
  • Parent County: Lincoln County was created from unorganized territory. There is no parent county with earlier records; research prior to 1860 involves federal and territorial records.
  • Subsequent Formations: Originally, Lincoln County covered a vast expanse of western Nebraska. From 1873 onwards, its territory was significantly reduced as numerous new counties were formed from its land, including Keith, Perkins, Chase, Hayes, Frontier, and parts of many others. Researchers with ancestors in western Nebraska during the 1860s and early 1870s should check Lincoln County records, even if their family resided outside the modern boundaries.
  • County Seat History: The first county seat was established at Cottonwood Springs in 1861, near the location of Fort McPherson. With the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad, the county seat was moved in 1867 to the newly-platted and rapidly growing railroad town of North Platte, where it has remained ever since.

II. Settlement and Early History

  • Early Inhabitants: The Platte River Valley was a vital corridor and resource for Native American tribes, primarily the Pawnee and various bands of the Sioux (Lakota) and Cheyenne.
  • Pioneer Settlement and Economy: The earliest American presence consisted of fur trappers, traders, and thousands of emigrants traveling the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails, which all passed through the county. To protect these travelers, Fort McPherson was established in 1863. The defining event was the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad in 1866. North Platte was founded as a major division point, and its large rail yards and repair shops became the primary economic engine. This access to transportation spurred the growth of massive cattle ranches on the open range, a period epitomized by resident William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, who established his famous Scouts Rest Ranch here in 1877.
  • Key Historical Events:
    • The Railroad Boom: The establishment of North Platte as a winter headquarters and major hub for the Union Pacific cemented the county’s importance and spurred its settlement.
    • The Age of the Cowboy: In the late 19th century, North Platte was a significant cattle town, serving the vast ranches of the surrounding plains.
    • The North Platte Canteen: During World War II, the community achieved national fame for the Canteen. For the duration of the war, local volunteers met every troop train that passed through—sometimes more than 20 a day—providing free food, drinks, and fellowship to millions of service members.

III. Genealogical Records and Resources

This section provides practical information for locating ancestral records, most of which are housed at the county courthouse in North Platte.

  • County Courthouse: The Lincoln County Courthouse, located at 301 N Jeffers St, North Platte, NE 69101, is the central repository for most historical records.
    • Register of Deeds: Holds all land transaction records (deeds, mortgages, town plats) from the county’s organization.
    • County Clerk: Maintains marriage licenses, voter registrations, brand registrations, and some school census records. This is the office to contact for marriage records.
    • Clerk of the District Court: Manages court records, including civil and criminal cases, divorces, and naturalization records.
    • County Court: Holds all probate records, including wills, estate administrations, and guardianship papers.
  • Vital Records:
    • Birth and Death Records: Statewide registration in Nebraska began in late 1904. Records from 1904 to the present can be obtained from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The Lincoln County Clerk may hold some earlier, scattered birth and death registers, but these are incomplete.
    • Marriage Records: Marriage records from 1866 to the present are held by the Lincoln County Clerk.
  • Libraries and Societies:
    • North Platte Public Library: Features a genealogy and local history room with county histories, cemetery records, census microfilm, and an extensive archive of local newspapers.
    • Lincoln County Historical Museum: Located in North Platte, this museum offers excellent exhibits on pioneer life, the railroad, and the history of the county.
    • North Platte Genealogical Society: A valuable resource for local research assistance. They have published cemetery transcriptions and other helpful materials.
    • History Nebraska (State Historical Society): Located in the city of Lincoln, this is the primary statewide repository for government records, manuscripts, photographs, and the most comprehensive collection of Nebraska newspapers.
  • Bordering Jurisdictions:
    • Logan County (north)
    • Custer County (north)
    • McPherson County (north)
    • Dawson County (east)
    • Frontier County (south)
    • Hayes County (south)
    • Perkins County (west)

Please share any resources you have and will do lookups or links to resources you are aware of. Thanks