Osceola in Polk County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Osceola And The Early Pioneers

Photographed by Joan Shurtliff, September 6, 2014

1. Osceola And The Early Pioneers Marker

Inscription. The early settlement of Polk County in 1867 brings us in close touch with the trail of the pioneer. Then from year to year, others came and settlement advanced. These early settlers came by covered wagon, many with ox team. The nearest railroad was 40 miles distant and the roads were trails angling from place to place. The vast expanse of prairie grass, as far as the eye could see was broken only here and there by smoke arising from some sod house on a claim.

Osceola, the county seat and geographical center of Polk County is said to have been named after the Indian Chief Osceola of Florida. It was first located three miles southeast of the present site. The present location was made permanent October 10, 1871. The post office was established June, 1872 and the town was incorporated on August 26, 1881. At this date, Osceola was the terminus of the mail route from Lincoln via Ulysses. The Union Pacific Railroad ran its first train into Osceola June 23, 1879, giving direct communication with the outer world.

Polk County has been the home of three governors, Albinus Nance, John H. Mickey and Ashton C. Shallenberger.

Erected by Osceola

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Lions Club; Historical Land Mark Council. (Marker Number 57.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 1, 1872.

Location. 41° 11.051′ N, 97° 32.612′ W. Marker is in Osceola, Nebraska, in Polk County. It is at the intersection of Valley Street and U.S. 81, on the left when traveling west on Valley Street. The marker is on Valley Street to the west of the cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Osceola NE 68651, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Nebraska and in Greater Grand Island.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and on the prairies.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Polk County Courthouse (approx. 0.3 miles

Photographed by Joan Shurtliff, September 6, 2014

2. Osceola And The Early Pioneers Marker

away); Dedicated to the Pioneers of Polk County (approx. 0.3 miles away); Stromsburg (approx. 6 miles away); The Village of Shelby (approx. 6.1 miles away); The Lincoln Highway - Gardiner Station Section (approx. 11.8 miles away); Gardiner School (approx. 11.8 miles away).

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2014, by Joan Shurtliff of Seward, Nebraska. This page has been viewed 924 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 7, 2014, by Joan Shurtliff of Seward, Nebraska. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.