Cheyenne County Nebraska 39

Map_of_Nebraska_highlighting_Cheyenne_County

Cheyenne County, Nebraska

County Seat: Sidney
Founded: 1871
Named For: The Cheyenne Native American tribe
License Plate Prefix: 39
Population: 9,468 (2020 census)
Area: 1,196 sq mi

History

Cheyenne County was created in 1871 and named for the Cheyenne people. Its history is closely tied to Fort Sidney, established in 1867 to protect travelers along the Sidney‑Deadwood Trail. Sidney quickly grew into a bustling frontier town, serving as a supply hub for gold seekers heading to the Black Hills. The Union Pacific Railroad cemented Sidney’s role as a regional center. Today, historic districts, museums, and preserved military sites reflect the county’s frontier heritage.

Geography

Location: Nebraska Panhandle, bordering Colorado
Landscape: High Plains, rolling prairie, and river valleys
Major Highways: Interstate 80, U.S. Highways 30 & 385, Nebraska Highway 19
Adjacent Counties: Morrill (N), Garden (NE), Deuel (E), Logan, CO (S), Kimball (W), Banner (NW)

Culture & Landmarks

Fort Sidney Historic District – Preserved military post with officers’ quarters and museum.
Cheyenne County Courthouse (Sidney) – Historic courthouse built in 1888.
Deadwood Draw – Historic trail site tied to the Sidney‑Deadwood gold rush route.
Brownson Viaduct – Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Notable Communities

Sidney – County seat, historic railroad and military town, now a regional hub.
Lodgepole – Small town along Lodgepole Creek, with strong agricultural roots.
Dalton – Farming community with close‑knit traditions.
Gurley, Potter, Brownson – Small towns with historic character and rural pride.

Events & Festivals

Cheyenne County Fair & Rodeo – Livestock shows, rodeo events, and community celebrations.
Gold Rush Days (Sidney) – Celebrates the county’s frontier and mining heritage.
Holiday Parades & Community Days – Seasonal events across Sidney and smaller towns.

Natural Attractions & Recreation

Lodgepole Creek Valley – Scenic drives, birding, and agricultural landscapes.
Hunting & Fishing – Deer, pheasant, and waterfowl attract sportspeople to the High Plains.
Outdoor Trails & Parks – Local parks and recreation areas in Sidney and surrounding towns.

Living in Cheyenne County

Cheyenne County blends frontier history with modern small‑town life. Sidney offers schools, healthcare, and cultural amenities, while surrounding towns preserve rural traditions. With its location on I‑80 and U.S. 385, the county is both a crossroads of the High Plains and a welcoming home for those who value history, community, and wide‑open spaces.