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Red Cloud, Nebraska

Red Cloud, Nebraska

Nestled in the scenic Republican Valley, Red Cloud, Nebraska has probably been described more often in literature than any other village of its size. This Webster County Seat was once the home of Willa Cather (1873-1947), the noted American author.

Because of the significance of Cather's writings and the history of Red Cloud and Webster County, the area was designated The Willa Cather Thematic District, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places . The thematic district encompasses twenty-six individually significant sites and four historic districts, including the Cather Prairie. In all, more than 190 sites are included in the district, making it possibly the largest historic district dedicated to an author in the United States.

For recreation there is a challenging 9-hole golf course with watered grass greens and fairways, an outstanding baseball facility, a competition sized swimming pool with new bath house, a six-lane bowling alley and a 3/8 mile high-bank, oval dirt racetrack.

Visit this appealing town and enjoy its late 19th century architecture, bricked main street, and historically enhanced lighting.

History... Red Cloud, named for the Oglala Sioux chief, was founded early in 1871 on homestead land filed upon by Silas Garber and Company, July 17, 1870, at Beatrice, the nearest land office. It is one of the oldest communities in the Republican Valley. When Webster County was organized, Red Cloud was voted County Seat at the first county election, April 19, 1871. The election was held in the dugout of Silas Garber, Nebraska's governor, 1875-1879.

The meeting of the Burlington and Missouri River Railways reached here in 1879, accelerating immigration from the East and abroad, bringing together a colorful variety of cultural heritage. During the 1880s, Red Cloud served as a division center for the railroad. The architectural design of Webster Street was established during that prosperous time when many of the first frame and log structures were replaced by more elaborate buildings of brick and stone.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

The Red Cloud Opera House

The Red Cloud Opera House, 1885, stood for many years as the jewel in Main Street's crown. Here Blind Boone played, William Jennings Bryan spoke, and it was from this stage that Willa Cather graduated in 1890 and delivered her eloquent oration, "Superstition vs. Investigation"

Red Cloud, NE Historic Buildings

Grace Episcopal Church

Built in 1884 on the corner of Second and Walnut, the Grace Protestant Episcopal Church was moved to its present location in 1891. The brick veneer was added sometime after 1922. Grace Episcopal Church is the church in which Willa Cather and her parents were confirmed on December 27, 1922

Red Cloud, NE Historic Churches

Willa Cather Pioneer Memorial

The Art Gallery and Bookstore, located two doors south of the Cather Historical Center on main street, carries the country's most complete selection of Willa Cather's novels, short stories, biographies, and critical works about her.

Red Cloud, NE Memorials

Red Cloud Golf Course

Red Cloud is proud of its professionally designed nine-hole golf course with watered greens, fairways and tee boxes. The course was designed by Harry Obitz, Golf Magazine'

Red Cloud, NE Golf Courses

Red Cloud City Park

The Red Cloud City Park offers a variety of activities for persons of all ages. Facilities include outdoor fireplaces, tables, a shelter house, restrooms, playground equipment, swimming pool, and tennis courts. Restaurants and electrical hookups for campers are nearby.

Red Cloud, NE Parks

Things to do near Red Cloud, NE

Elwood Camping

There are no campgrounds at Elwood Reservoir although the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) does maintain a Wildlife ...

Lakeside Country Club

Course Access: Semi-PrivateHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 14 days...