About Our County

History of Howard County, Nebraska

Howard County was officially organized in 1871 and named after Union General Oliver Otis Howard, a Civil War leader and founder of Howard University
The county seat, St. Paul, was established in 1871 and permanently designated as the seat of government by public vote in 1874
Early settlers were drawn to the area by the fertile land along the Loup River system, which supported farming and livestock operations
The county experienced significant Danish and Scandinavian immigration, particularly in communities such as Dannebrog and Nysted, shaping local culture and traditions
Howard County developed alongside regional railroad expansion, which helped connect agricultural products to broader markets and encouraged town growth

Howard County covers about 576 square miles and lies within the Loup River Valley, where the Middle and Upper Loup Rivers converge
As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the county had a population of 6,475, maintaining a strong rural and small‑town character
The county is part of the Grand Island metropolitan area, linking it economically to central Nebraska’s regional hub
Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy, with corn, soybeans, cattle, and dairy farming playing major roles
Howard County is home to the Loup Junction State Wildlife Management Area, offering hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities
The Howard County Historical Society preserves historic buildings, artifacts, and records documenting early settlement and rural life