Colfax County Nebraska 43

Colfax County, Nebraska

County Seat: Schuyler
Founded: 1869
Named For: Schuyler Colfax, U.S. Vice President under Ulysses S. Grant
License Plate Prefix: 18
Population: 10,582 (2020 census)
Area: 411 sq mi

History

Colfax County was created in 1869 from part of Platte County and named for Vice President Schuyler Colfax. Ironically, Colfax had earlier opposed the creation of Nebraska Territory, but his name was chosen for both the county and its seat, Schuyler. The Union Pacific Railroad spurred settlement, and Schuyler quickly grew into a thriving town. Immigrant groups, especially Czech, German, and Hispanic communities, have shaped the county’s culture and traditions. The Oak Ballroom in Schuyler, built in the 1930s, is a nationally recognized historic landmark.

Geography

• Location: Eastern Nebraska, along the Platte River
• Landscape: Fertile farmland, river valleys, and rolling prairie
• Major Highways: U.S. 30, U.S. 81, Nebraska Highways 15, 91
• Adjacent Counties: Platte (W), Dodge (E), Butler (S), Stanton (N)

Culture & Landmarks

• Colfax County Courthouse (Schuyler) – Historic courthouse built in 1922, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Oak Ballroom (Schuyler) – WPA‑era landmark, famous for dances and community events.
• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church – Historic church reflecting Czech heritage.
• Schuyler Downtown Historic District – Preserves 19th‑ and early 20th‑century architecture.

Notable Communities

• Schuyler – County seat, cultural and economic hub with strong immigrant traditions.
• Clarkson – Known for its Czech heritage and annual Czech Festival.
• Howells – Small town with strong agricultural roots.
• Leigh – Community with historic character and rural pride.
• Rogers & Richland – Small villages with deep local traditions.

Events & Festivals

• Czech Festival (Clarkson) – Celebrates Czech heritage with food, music, and parades.
• Colfax County Fair (Leigh) – Livestock shows, rodeo, and community events.
• Oak Ballroom Events (Schuyler) – Dances, concerts, and cultural gatherings.

Natural Attractions & Recreation

• Platte River Recreation – Fishing, boating, and birdwatching along the river.
• Local Parks & Trails – Community parks in Schuyler, Clarkson, and Howells.
• Hunting & Outdoor Sports – Deer, pheasant, and waterfowl opportunities.

Living in Colfax County

Colfax County blends agricultural strength with cultural diversity. With Schuyler as a regional hub, residents enjoy schools, healthcare, and cultural amenities while preserving strong immigrant traditions. Festivals, historic landmarks, and the Platte River valley make Colfax County a welcoming home and a rewarding stop along Nebraska’s Highway 20 corridor.