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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

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

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

The Methodist Church

[The Methodist Church] The Methodist Church building described in My Antonia , now serves as a Masonic Lodge. Cather tells how, during the winter, the children were starved for color and how they stood in the cold and looked at the stained glass windows: "

Red Cloud, NE Historic Churches

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

Willa Cather State Historic Site

The Farmers' and Merchants' Bank building, 1889, was erected by Silas Garber, the founder of Red Cloud (1871), the fourth governor of Nebraska (1875-1879), and the prototype for Captain Forrester in A Lost Lady.

Red Cloud, NE Historic Sites

Things to do near Red Cloud, NE

Rock Creek State Fish Hatchery/Recreation Area

Recreation area open year-round for fishing and primitive camping. ...

Red Willow Fishing

Dedicated bass fishermen are well-acquainted with its bushy shores (35 miles of them), submerged trees, and underwater struct...