North Platte | |
|---|---|
 Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center at Union Pacific's Bailey Yards | |
 Location of North Platte within Lincoln County and Nebraska | |
  North Platte Location within theUnited States | |
| Coordinates:41°08′10″N100°45′47″W / 41.13611°N 100.76306°W /41.13611; -100.76306 | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Nebraska |
| County | Lincoln |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Brandon Kelliher[1] |
| Area | |
• Total | 13.71 sq mi (35.50 km2) |
| • Land | 13.52 sq mi (35.02 km2) |
| • Water | 0.19 sq mi (0.48 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,802 ft (854 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 23,390 |
| • Density | 1,729.90/sq mi (667.93/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| ZIP codes | 69101, 69103 |
| Area code | 308 |
| FIPS code | 31-35000 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2395260[3] |
| Website | www |
North Platte is a city in and thecounty seat ofLincoln County, Nebraska, United States.[4] It is located in the west-central part of the state, alongInterstate 80, at the confluence of theNorth andSouth Platte Rivers forming thePlatte River. The population was 23,390 at the2020 census, making it the11th most populous city in Nebraska.[5]
North Platte is arailroad town;Union Pacific Railroad's largeBailey Yard is located within the city. Today, North Platte is served only by freight trains, but duringWorld War II the city was known for theNorth Platte Canteen, a volunteer organization serving food to millions of traveling soldiers.
North Platte is the principal city of theNorth Platte Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Lincoln,Logan, andMcPherson counties.
.jpg)
North Platte was established in 1866 when theUnion Pacific Railroad was extended to that point.[6] It derives its name from theNorth Platte River.[7][8]
North Platte was the western terminus of theUnion Pacific Railway from December 1866 until the next section toOgallala was opened the following year.[9] Even though Congress had authorized the building of theTranscontinental Railroad in 1862, it had been extended only as far asFremont, Nebraska by the end of the 1865 construction season. The 275-mile (443 km) section from Fremont to North Platte was completed in 1866.[10]
In the 1880s,Buffalo Bill Cody established his ranch, known asScout's Rest Ranch, just north of town. It is now aNational Historic Landmark.[11]
On July 13, 1929, a black man shot and killed a white police officer. The black man reportedly took his own life, being trapped by a mob.[12][13] This led to the formation of white mobs combing the city, and ordering black residents to leave North Platte. Fearing mob violence, most ofNorth Platte's black residents fled.[14]
| External videos | |
|---|---|
 Lincoln County Museum, North Platte, Nebraska, Jim Griffin, 1:57, 27 July 2014 | |
| History Bookshelf -Once Upon a Town,C-SPAN withBob Greene, 50:06, 24 June 2002 |
TheNorth Platte Canteen was one of the largest volunteer efforts of World War II, originating in 1941.[15][16] Tens of thousands of volunteers from North Platte and surrounding towns met the troop trains passing through North Platte, offering coffee, sandwiches, dessert, and hospitality to nearly seven million servicemen.[17][18]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.39 square miles (34.68 km2), of which 13.20 square miles (34.19 km2) is land and 0.19 square miles (0.49 km2) is water.[19]
_-_North_Platte_Area%2c_NE(ThreadEx).svg)
North Platte experiences a dry continental climate similar to that of the NebraskaHigh Plains, classified ashot-summer humid continental (KöppenDwa,TrewarthaDcao), and, with an annual average precipitation of 21.08 inches (535 mm), barely avoidssemi-arid classification; it is part of USDAHardiness zone 5a.[20] The normal monthly mean temperature ranges from 26.3 °F (−3.2 °C) in January to 75.6 °F (24.2 °C) in July.[21] On an average year, there are 3.8 afternoons that reach 100 °F (37.8 °C) or higher, 39 afternoons that reach 90 °F (32.2 °C) or higher, 31.4 afternoons that do not climb above freezing, and 12.2 mornings with a low of 0 °F (−17.8 °C) or below.[21] The average window for freezing temperatures is September 30 thru May 13,[21] allowing a growing season of 139 days. Extreme temperatures officially range from −35 °F (−37.2 °C) on January 15, 1888, andFebruary 12, 1899, up to 112 °F (44.4 °C) on July 11, 1954; the record cold daily maximum is −15 °F (−26.1 °C) on January 14, 1888, while, conversely, the record warm daily minimum is 80 °F (26.7 °C) on July 25, 1940.[21]
Precipitation is greatest in May and June and has ranged from 10.01 inches (254.3 mm) in 1931 to 33.44 inches (849.4 mm) in 1951.[21] Snowfall averages 29.6 inches (0.75 m) per season, and has historically ranged from 3.0 inches (0.08 m) in 1903–04 to 66.3 inches (1.68 m) in 1979–80;[21] the average window for measurable (≥0.1 inches or 0.0025 metres) snowfall is November 1 thru April 12, with May and October snow being rare.[21]
| Climate data forNorth Platte Regional Airport, Nebraska (1991–2020 normals,[a] extremes 1874–present)[b] | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 74 (23) | 79 (26) | 91 (33) | 98 (37) | 99 (37) | 108 (42) | 112 (44) | 108 (42) | 105 (41) | 96 (36) | 87 (31) | 76 (24) | 112 (44) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 62.6 (17.0) | 66.7 (19.3) | 77.9 (25.5) | 84.8 (29.3) | 90.0 (32.2) | 96.9 (36.1) | 100.6 (38.1) | 97.9 (36.6) | 95.3 (35.2) | 86.3 (30.2) | 73.9 (23.3) | 63.7 (17.6) | 102.0 (38.9) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 40.7 (4.8) | 43.9 (6.6) | 55.2 (12.9) | 63.2 (17.3) | 72.8 (22.7) | 84.0 (28.9) | 89.7 (32.1) | 87.2 (30.7) | 80.0 (26.7) | 66.0 (18.9) | 52.6 (11.4) | 42.0 (5.6) | 64.8 (18.2) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 26.3 (−3.2) | 29.4 (−1.4) | 39.6 (4.2) | 48.2 (9.0) | 58.5 (14.7) | 69.7 (20.9) | 75.6 (24.2) | 73.0 (22.8) | 64.2 (17.9) | 50.2 (10.1) | 37.0 (2.8) | 27.5 (−2.5) | 49.9 (9.9) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 11.9 (−11.2) | 14.8 (−9.6) | 23.9 (−4.5) | 33.2 (0.7) | 44.2 (6.8) | 55.4 (13.0) | 61.4 (16.3) | 58.8 (14.9) | 48.3 (9.1) | 34.3 (1.3) | 21.4 (−5.9) | 13.1 (−10.5) | 35.1 (1.7) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | −8.2 (−22.3) | −5.1 (−20.6) | 4.6 (−15.2) | 17.1 (−8.3) | 27.5 (−2.5) | 41.4 (5.2) | 49.5 (9.7) | 46.9 (8.3) | 31.7 (−0.2) | 17.0 (−8.3) | 4.3 (−15.4) | −5.1 (−20.6) | −14.5 (−25.8) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −35 (−37) | −35 (−37) | −25 (−32) | −3 (−19) | 18 (−8) | 29 (−2) | 39 (4) | 35 (2) | 17 (−8) | 4 (−16) | −25 (−32) | −34 (−37) | −35 (−37) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 0.39 (9.9) | 0.57 (14) | 1.00 (25) | 2.29 (58) | 3.35 (85) | 3.54 (90) | 3.18 (81) | 2.56 (65) | 1.61 (41) | 1.65 (42) | 0.49 (12) | 0.45 (11) | 21.08 (535) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 5.1 (13) | 6.9 (18) | 4.2 (11) | 3.6 (9.1) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.1 (0.25) | 2.2 (5.6) | 3.0 (7.6) | 4.5 (11) | 29.6 (75) |
| Average extreme snow depth inches (cm) | 3.5 (8.9) | 4.3 (11) | 2.7 (6.9) | 1.8 (4.6) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.9 (2.3) | 2.0 (5.1) | 2.8 (7.1) | 6.8 (17) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 4.4 | 5.3 | 6.5 | 9.0 | 11.5 | 10.8 | 10.2 | 8.9 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 4.2 | 3.7 | 88.0 |
| Average snowy days(≥ 0.1 in) | 4.3 | 4.3 | 3.4 | 2.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 2.1 | 3.6 | 21.0 |
| Averagerelative humidity (%) | 69.3 | 68.2 | 64.4 | 59.6 | 63.3 | 63.9 | 63.0 | 64.1 | 63.8 | 61.5 | 66.9 | 69.6 | 64.8 |
| Averagedew point °F (°C) | 11.7 (−11.3) | 16.3 (−8.7) | 23.2 (−4.9) | 32.2 (0.1) | 43.9 (6.6) | 53.8 (12.1) | 58.8 (14.9) | 56.8 (13.8) | 46.8 (8.2) | 34.2 (1.2) | 23.0 (−5.0) | 14.0 (−10.0) | 34.5 (1.4) |
| Mean monthlysunshine hours | 185.0 | 180.2 | 227.4 | 257.5 | 290.8 | 322.9 | 352.9 | 319.2 | 259.5 | 236.2 | 174.0 | 170.0 | 2,975.6 |
| Percentagepossible sunshine | 62 | 60 | 61 | 64 | 65 | 71 | 77 | 75 | 69 | 69 | 59 | 59 | 67 |
| Source:NOAA (relative humidity and sun 1961–1990)[21][23][24] | |||||||||||||
 | Graphs are unavailable due to technical issues. Updates on reimplementing the Graph extension, which will be known as the Chart extension, can be found onPhabricator and onMediaWiki.org. |
See or editraw graph data.
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 363 | — | |
| 1890 | 3,055 | 741.6% | |
| 1900 | 3,640 | 19.1% | |
| 1910 | 4,793 | 31.7% | |
| 1920 | 10,466 | 118.4% | |
| 1930 | 12,061 | 15.2% | |
| 1940 | 12,429 | 3.1% | |
| 1950 | 15,433 | 24.2% | |
| 1960 | 17,184 | 11.3% | |
| 1970 | 19,447 | 13.2% | |
| 1980 | 24,509 | 26.0% | |
| 1990 | 22,605 | −7.8% | |
| 2000 | 23,878 | 5.6% | |
| 2010 | 24,733 | 3.6% | |
| 2020 | 23,390 | −5.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[25] | |||
The2020 United States census[26] counted 23,390 people, 10,188 households, and 6,061 families in North Platte. The population density was 1,730.0 per square mile (667.9/km2). There were 11,409 housing units at an average density of 843.9 per square mile (325.8/km2). The racial makeup was 86.54% (20,242)white, 1.64% (384)black or African-American, 0.79% (184)Native American, 1.15% (268)Asian, 0.03% (6)Pacific Islander, 3.1% (725) fromother races, and 6.76% (1,581) from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race was 10.0% (2,558) of the population.
Of the 10,188 households, 27.6% had children under the age of 18; 43.7% were married couples living together; 25.2% had a female householder with no husband present. 34.7% of households consisted of individuals and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.3 and the average family size was 2.9.
24.6% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.9 years. For every 100 females, the population had 97.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 95.7 males.
The 2016-2020 5-yearAmerican Community Survey[27] estimates show that the median household income was $52,653 (with a margin of error of +/- $5,357) and the median family income $67,702 (+/- $5,175). Males had a median income of $39,363 (+/- $4,731) versus $25,799 (+/- $1,263) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $31,772 (+/- $1,712). Approximately, 6.7% of families and 11.9% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 11.8% of those under the age of 18 and 15.3% of those ages 65 or over.
As of thecensus[28] of 2010, there were 24,733 people, 10,560 households, and 6,290 families residing in the city. Thepopulation density was 1,873.7 inhabitants per square mile (723.4/km2). There were 11,450 housing units at an average density of 867.4 per square mile (334.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 93.1%White, 1.0%African American, 0.7%Native American, 0.7%Asian, 2.8% fromother races, and 1.7% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 8.8% of the population.
There were 10,560 households, of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.5% weremarried couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.4% were non-families. 34.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.95.
The median age in the city was 37.1 years. 24.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25% were from 25 to 44; 25.6% were from 45 to 64; and 15.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.8% male and 51.2% female.
As of the census of 2000, there were 23,878 people, 9,944 households, and 6,224 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,281.5 people per square mile (880.9 people/km2). There were 10,718 housing units at an average density of 1,024.1 per square mile (395.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 93.47% White, 0.71% African American, 0.64% Native American, 0.39% Asian, 0.03%Pacific Islander, 3.30% fromother races, and 1.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.68% of the population.
There were 9,944 households, out of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.0 males.
As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $34,181, and the median income for a family was $42,753. Males had a median income of $36,445 versus $20,157 for females. Theper capita income for the city was $18,306. About 7.8% of families and 10.5% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 13.2% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.
Lincoln County Historical Museum contains a display detailing the history of the North Platte Canteen. It also contains a Prairie Village with local landmark homes and other buildings, including aPony Express station and pioneer church among many others.[29]
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park is located near North Platte, a Nebraska living history park about "Buffalo Bill" Cody. The park includes his actual house known as Scout's Rest Ranch. The park is two miles west ofU.S. Highway 83 alongU.S. Highway 30.[30]
Every June, North Platte hosts the annual "Nebraskaland Days". The event includes parades, art shows, rodeos, concerts, and food events. It draws over 100,000 attendees every year.[31]
North Platte is host to the annualMiss Nebraska pageant, an official preliminary for the Miss America Organization.[32]
Aindependent professional baseball team, theNorth Platte 80s, began play in 2024 in thePecos League.[33] North Platte was also the prior home theminor league baseballNorth Platte Indians of theNebraska State League.[34]
North Platte is home to the world's largest rail yard,Bailey Yard. The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center is an eight-story building which overlooks the expansive classification yard and engine facilities. The tower and visitor center are open to the public year-round.[35] Passenger train service was discontinued in 1971.[36]
North Platte is home toNorth Platte Regional Airport.United Express serves the airport with twice-daily service toDenver International Airport. There is also a door-to-door bus system available for residents of the town.[37]
Intercity bus service to the city is provided byBurlington Trailways andExpress Arrow.[38][39]
North Platte is served by 2 major cross country US Highways andInterstate 80. I-80 runs south of the South Platte River through the outer edge of town. Much of the town's commercial area has moved to the intersection of I-80 andU.S. Route 83, which runs north to downtown, and continues to points as far north as Canada or south to Mexico. US 30 intersects with US 83 downtown and follows the north side of the Platte/South Platte River from east to west.
North Platte... is at present the terminus of passenger travel over the Union Pacific and the overland stages make it their starting point for Denver and California.
{{cite web}}:Missing or empty|title= (help)title=The myth buster
Municipalities and communities ofLincoln County, Nebraska,United States | ||
|---|---|---|
| City |  | |
| Villages | ||
| Unincorporated communities | ||
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Geographic | |
| Other | |
