Dawson County Nebraska 18

Dawson County, Nebraska

County Seat: Lexington
Founded: 1860 (authorized), organized 1871
Named For: Jacob Dawson (first postmaster of Lancaster) or Congressman John L. Dawson (sources vary)
License Plate Prefix: 18
Population: 24,111 (2020 census)
Area: 1,019 sq mi

History

Dawson County was authorized by the territorial legislature in 1860 and officially organized in 1871. The county’s name origin is debated: some sources credit Jacob Dawson, Lincoln’s first postmaster, while others cite Congressman John L. Dawson of Pennsylvania. Settlement accelerated with the Union Pacific Railroad, and Lexington (originally Plum Creek) became the county seat. Dawson County’s history is preserved in the Dawson County Historical Society Museum, which features pioneer artifacts, a Pony Express station, and exhibits on the Lincoln Highway.

Geography

• Location: Central Nebraska, along the Platte River Valley
• Landscape: Fertile farmland, river valleys, and rolling prairie
• Major Highways: Interstate 80, U.S. 30, U.S. 283, Nebraska Highways 21, 23, 40, 47
• Protected Areas: Gallagher Canyon SRA, Johnson Lake SRA (partly in Dawson), multiple Wildlife Management Areas

Culture & Landmarks

• Dawson County Historical Museum (Lexington) – Military Hall of Honor, Ag Hall, Pony Express Station, and Lincoln Highway exhibits.
• Robert Henri Museum (Cozad) – Honors the famous American artist born in Cozad.
• 100th Meridian Museum (Cozad) – Marks the geographic 100th meridian west, a historic boundary of the American West.
• Sod House Museum (Gothenburg) – Preserves pioneer sod‑house life and Pony Express history.

Notable Communities

• Lexington – County seat, diverse economy, and cultural hub.
• Cozad – Known for the 100th Meridian and Robert Henri Museum.
• Gothenburg – Pony Express heritage and Sod House Museum.
• Farnam, Overton, Eddyville, Sumner – Small towns with strong agricultural traditions.

Events & Festivals

• Dawson County Fair (Lexington) – Livestock shows, rodeo, concerts, and community events.
• Pony Express Days (Gothenburg) – Celebrates the town’s historic role with parades and reenactments.
• Cozad Hay Days – Parade, food, and community celebration of Dawson County’s agricultural roots.

Natural Attractions & Recreation

• Johnson Lake State Recreation Area – Boating, fishing, camping, and trails.
• Gallagher Canyon SRA – Reservoir recreation and fishing.
• Wildlife Management Areas – Birding, hunting, and outdoor exploration.

Living in Dawson County

Dawson County blends agricultural strength with cultural richness. With Lexington as a regional hub and Cozad and Gothenburg preserving frontier heritage, residents enjoy schools, healthcare, and community amenities. Its museums, festivals, and Platte River Valley landscapes make Dawson County both a welcoming home and a rewarding stop along Nebraska’s Highway 20 corridor.