Beatrice is a city in Gage County, Nebraska, United States. It is the county seat of Gage County. The population was 12,459 at the 2010 census. It is nicknamed "The Princess City".
The city was founded in 1857 and incorporated in 1871, and is named after the daughter of James H. Fisher, a railroad official. It was a stop on the Pony Express and the Burlington and Missouri railroad.
In 2019 it was named the "Playful City USA" by Kaboom! For its commitment to connecting children to active play opportunities, and making changes in their communities that create an environment rich with active play options for kids.
Beatrice is the home of a John Deere engine manufacturing plant, which employs 300 workers. The major service industries are health care and social assistance, retail trade, agriculture, and professional educational services. The area has recently seen many new businesses open and growth on the outskirts of town.
Beatrice is governed by an elected mayor and city council. Gage County has four high school sports teams: the Beatrice High School Orangemen, the Beatrice High School Purpleettes, the Beatrice Middle School Wildcats, and the Beatrice Elementary School Bulls.
Beatrice is home to a variety of recreational sites, including the several parks, two golf courses, and an outdoor public swimming pool. Beatrice also has a variety of cultural attractions, including the Beatrice Civic Theater, the Beatrice Community Chorus, the Gage County Historical Museum, and the Beatrice Philharmonic Orchestra.
Interesting Facts About Beatrice City
1. Beatrice was founded in 1857 by John Dougherty, a former stock-raiser and trader.
2. Beatrice originally began as a trading post and military outpost.
3. Beatrice was incorperated in 1871 and has since grown to a population of over 12,000 people.
4. Beatrice is located in Gage County, named for Colonel William Gage, who served under General William Tecumseh Sherman in the Civil War.
5. Beatrice was the filming location of a popular television program, High School Reunion, which aired on Fox in 2002.
6. Beatrice is home to the Nebraska State Fair, which has taken place annually since 1895.
7. Beatrice is home to the Beatrice Speedway, an oval racetrack with a dirt surface, which hosts regular races throughout the summer.
8. Beatrice is home to the Beatrice Golf & Country Club, which has been operating since 1919.
9. Located in the southeastern portion of the state, Beatrice has hot summers and cold winters with an average annual snowfall of 22.7 inches.
10. Beatrice is the birthplace of the Pansy Festival, first held in 1912 by the Beatrice Women’s Club to raise funds for public improvements. The festival is held each June and includes a grand parade, a two-day carnival and music festival, and a Pansy Queen beauty pageant.
What is Beatrice known & Famous for
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Beatrice, Nebraska is best known as the home of the Homestead National Monument of America, located just outside the city limits. The Monument is a unit of the National Park Service, and it commemorates the passage of the Homestead Act of 1862, which allowed citizens to claim land in exchange for developing it. The monument has an extensive education center and a tallgrass prairie preserve.Apart from the Homestead Monument, Beatrice is also known for being the birthplace of famed poet and author Willa Cather, and for its strong agricultural heritage.
What Is It Like To Visit In Beatrice City?
Beatrice, Nebraska is a small, family-friendly city located just 45 miles south of Lincoln. The city's population is approximately 12,000, making it a great option for visitors seeking a quintessential small-town experience. The city offers a variety of attractions, including Beatrice State Lake, Richardson County Historical Society Museum, and many parks and recreational areas. Visitors to Beatrice, NE, can explore the town's rich history at the Richardson County Historical Society Museum and enjoy a range of outdoor activities and recreational opportunities at nearby lakes, parks, and trails. There are also several restaurants, coffee shops, and stores to explore, as well as live music venues, and theaters. And those looking for a little adventure can visit the Homestead National Monument of America and Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. Beatrice offers something for everyone, making it a great destination for travelers of all ages.
