Gothenburg

Gothenburg. . , Gothenburg Nebraska, Early settlement , In late 1882, Swedish businessman Olof Bergstrom was working for Union Pacific Railroad in the American frontier when he conceived the idea that a town was needed where Gothenburg now stands. , Bergstrom convinced his fellow Swedes to migrate to the United States to build a new town in the West., By July 8, 1885, Gothenburg was incorporated as a town with a population of 300. Swedes and Germans settled the area, as is evidenced by the name Gothenburg. The town was named after Göteborg, Sweden, but was given a German spelling by railroad officials. , Boom town , Construction of the first man-made lake designed to generate electricity brought many industries and factories to Gothenburg. Most residents here had electricity by 1892, the first city in western Nebraska. , In addition, the 12-mile canal into the lake provided the first irrigation system that served around 17.000 acres east of the lake. Agriculture quickly settled in as the main industry for the community, and agriculture continues to drive Gothenburg's prosperity today. , Lake Helen spurred industrial, community and agricultural growth. a hallmark of the city's success throughout its history. , Coast-to-coast , Construction of the Lincoln Highway from New York to San Francisco began in 1913. Following section lines north of the Platte River, the Lincoln Highway crossed over the bridge at Gothenburg and followed a narrow road which can still be seen as it proceeded west on the south side of the River. In 1930, traffic was rerouted onto what is now U.S. Highway 30. , Tradition continues , Gothenburg residents have a history of going the extra mile to ensure the community remains a top-notch city that sets the standard for others.