About Our County

History

Garfield County was organized in 1884 and named after President James A. Garfield.
Early settlement followed the North Loup and Calamus River valleys, which provided water, timber, and natural travel routes.
Before settlement, the area served as a travel corridor for Native American tribes, leading to conflicts such as the Battles of Pebble Creek (1874) and The Blowout (1876).
The original county seat was Willow Springs, but it was moved to Burwell in 1890 after the railroad favored that location.
Burwell was established in 1883 and grew as a ranching and trade center in Nebraska’s Sandhills region.
The first newspaper, the Burwell Bell, began publishing in 1885, helping connect early residents.
Agriculture and ranching have long been the foundation of the local economy, shaping the county’s development.

Garfield County has only one incorporated community—Burwell—making it one of the most rural counties in Nebraska.
With a population of around 1,800 residents, it is among the least-populated counties in the state.
The county sits in Nebraska’s Sandhills, one of the largest grass-stabilized dune regions in the world.
Nebraska’s Big Rodeo, held annually in Burwell since 1921, is one of the state’s oldest and most well-known rodeos.
Rodeo crowds have historically reached up to 20,000 people per day—far exceeding the county’s population.
The county is home to Calamus Reservoir and State Recreation Area, a major destination for fishing, boating, and camping.
Calamus Reservoir was created by Virginia Smith Dam in the 1980s for irrigation and flood control.
The area is entirely rural, with no urban population centers.
The North Loup River runs through the county and has historically supported settlement and recreation.
Garfield County is known for strong community traditions, including the county fair and long-running local events.

Note: For event dates and details, please contact the CVB office at 308-346-5210.