Deuel County Nebraska

Map_of_Nebraska_highlighting_Deuel_County

Deuel County, Nebraska

County Seat: Chappell
Founded: 1889
Named For: Harry Porter Deuel, Union Pacific Railroad official
License Plate Prefix: 78
Population: 1,838 (2020 census)
Area: 441 sq mi

History

Deuel County was formed in 1889 from part of Cheyenne County and named for Harry Porter Deuel, a Union Pacific Railroad official. The Union Pacific reached Big Springs in 1867 and Chappell in 1884, spurring settlement. The county seat was contested between Big Springs, Chappell, and Froid, but Chappell ultimately prevailed in 1894. Deuel County’s history includes the infamous 1877 Sam Bass Gang train robbery at Big Springs, one of the largest gold coin robberies in U.S. history. The county was later reduced in size when Garden County was created in 1909.

Geography

Location: Southwestern Nebraska Panhandle, bordering Colorado
Landscape: High Plains, rolling prairie, and river valleys
Major Highways: Interstate 80, U.S. 30, U.S. 138, U.S. 385, Nebraska Highway 27
Adjacent Counties: Garden (N), Keith (E), Perkins (SE), Sedgwick, CO (S), Cheyenne (W)

Culture & Landmarks

Deuel County Courthouse (Chappell) – Historic courthouse built in 1917.
Big Springs – Known for its natural springs and railroad heritage.
Chappell Golf Club & Parks – Recreation and community gathering spaces.
Historic Railroad Sites – Reflecting the county’s Union Pacific roots.

Notable Communities

Chappell – County seat, cultural and economic hub.
Big Springs – Historic railroad town and site of the 1877 train robbery.
Lisco (historical) – Early settlement tied to ranching and rail.

Events & Festivals

Deuel County Fair (Chappell) – Livestock shows, rodeo, and community celebrations.
Big Springs Community Days – Local festival with parades, food, and games.
Holiday Parades & School Events – Celebrated across Chappell and Big Springs.

Natural Attractions & Recreation

South Platte River Valley – Birding, fishing, and scenic drives.
Hunting & Outdoor Sports – Deer, pheasant, and waterfowl across the High Plains.
Local Parks & Trails – Recreation areas in Chappell and Big Springs.

Living in Deuel County

Deuel County offers a quiet, rural lifestyle rooted in railroad history and agriculture. With Chappell as the county seat and Big Springs as a historic gateway, residents enjoy small‑town hospitality, schools, and community pride. Its location along I‑80 and U.S. 30 makes Deuel County both a crossroads of the Panhandle and a welcoming home on Nebraska’s western plains.