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Beaver City, Nebraska

In 1910, on the square in Beaver City, George Washington Shafer opened what his family lovingly calls, "the first Wal-Mart," G.W. Shafer's. "Grandpa Shafer was the first Wal-Mart," said Jean Shafer of Beaver City. "He sold everything ... absolutely everything."

G.W. Shafer owned three buildings in downtown Beaver City, and sold groceries, shoes, clothes, furniture, appliances, farm implements. The general store in the middle is the last remaining business, and it's run by G.W. Shafer's grandson's widow, Jean.

"There's always been a Shafer running the business," said Jean, who is 89 years old. She runs the shop, "as a hobby."

Attractions and Upcoming Events

First United Methodist Church

Welcome to Beaver City's First United Methodist Church. Enjoy the chimes coming from the bell tower on Sunday mornings immediately before and after the worship service. Feast your eyes on the magnificent stained glass windows of the church.

Beaver City, NE Historic Buildings

First Presbyterian Church

Since the beginning, the Beaver City First Presbyterian Church has been a significant part of the community. Being the first church organized in the county, it has influenced the other churches in the area. It all began in the days of the wild, wild west in the year 1874. The first "church"

Beaver City, NE Historic Churches

G.W. Shafer & Son, General Merchandise

In 1910, on the square in Beaver City, George Washington Shafer opened what his family lovingly calls, "the first Wal-Mart," G.W. Shafer's. "Grandpa Shafer was the first Wal-Mart," said Jean Shafer of Beaver City. "He sold everything ... absolutely everything."

Beaver City, NE Historic Buildings

Civil War Veteran's Memorial, Gazebo Park

The Civil War(1861-1865) Statue and Marker honor those unknown dead that fought for their beliefs and for the freedoms that this nation is based upon.

Beaver City, NE Memorials

Brick Streets - Downtown Business District - Park

Beaver City was founded in 1872. The central downtown business district situated around a square block of city park began developing at the end of the 1800s. The first city streets were only dirt roads. Then in 1927

Beaver City, NE Historic Downtowns

Things to do near Beaver City, NE

Hunting

Hunters come to Harlan County from every state in the Union for deer, turkey, pheasant, quail, ducks, geese, and doves. Su...

Crane Meadows Nature Center

Hansen Memorial Museum

Brick Streets - Downtown Business District - Park

Phelps County Courthouse