Adams County, Nebraska, located in the central part of the state, is a region rich in agricultural tradition and historical significance. Formed in 1867, shortly after Nebraska achieved statehood, the county was named after John Adams, the second president of the United States. With its county seat in Hastings, Adams County has long been a hub for farming, railroads, and industrial development. Over time, the county has played a critical role in Nebraska’s economic growth and remains an essential part of the state’s agricultural and industrial infrastructure.
Origins of Adams County
Early Settlement and Formation
Adams County was officially established in 1867, the same year Nebraska became a state. The area that now constitutes Adams County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Pawnee, who had long utilized the region’s rich natural resources for hunting and farming. The expansion of European-American settlers into Nebraska, driven by the Homestead Act of 1862 and the promise of free land, led to the displacement of many indigenous populations and the rapid development of the area for agricultural purposes.
The first settlers in Adams County were largely of European descent, many coming from the eastern United States and seeking new opportunities on the western frontier. The county was organized by an act of the Nebraska Legislature, and the city of Juniata was originally chosen as the county seat. However, after the arrival of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, Hastings, which had grown around the railroad junction, became the dominant commercial center and replaced Juniata as the county seat in 1878.
Key Early Communities and Railroads
The early communities in Adams County were closely tied to the development of the railroad, which was instrumental in the county’s growth. The Burlington & Missouri River Railroad was the first to establish a line through the county in 1872, followed by the St. Joseph & Grand Island Railroad in 1879. These railroads brought both settlers and economic opportunities to the region, allowing farmers to transport their crops to distant markets and facilitating the development of new towns along the rail lines.
Hastings, in particular, benefitted greatly from the railroads and quickly emerged as the economic and political center of Adams County. Its strategic location at the intersection of two major railroads made it a hub for commerce, and by the late 19th century, the town was thriving with businesses, schools, and public institutions.
Key Historical Events in Adams County
The Railroad Boom and Growth of Hastings (1870s-1880s)
The arrival of the railroad in Adams County in the early 1870s was the most significant event in its early history. The Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, which passed through the county, provided settlers with access to new markets for their agricultural products, encouraging more people to move into the region. As a result, Hastings, located at the crossroads of two major railroad lines, grew rapidly in the late 19th century, becoming a vital transportation and commercial hub for central Nebraska.
Hastings became the county seat in 1878, largely due to its burgeoning economic importance. The town soon developed into a center of trade and industry, attracting businesses and residents from surrounding rural areas. By the 1880s, Hastings had schools, churches, newspapers, and a variety of industries, from flour mills to lumberyards, making it one of the most prosperous towns in Nebraska.
The Chautauqua Movement (1890s-1920s)
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Adams County became part of the nationwide Chautauqua movement, which aimed to bring cultural and educational experiences to rural areas. The Chautauqua assemblies, held in Hastings during the summer months, featured lectures, musical performances, and theatrical productions, offering residents an opportunity to engage with the arts and ideas from across the country.
The Hastings Chautauqua drew crowds from all over central Nebraska and became an essential part of the community’s cultural life. The movement’s popularity lasted until the 1920s, and it played a significant role in shaping the intellectual and social development of Adams County during that era.
World War II and the Naval Ammunition Depot (1942)
One of the most critical events in Adams County’s 20th-century history was the establishment of the Naval Ammunition Depot (NAD) near Hastings during World War II. The depot, which began operations in 1942, was one of the largest ammunition storage and production facilities in the United States. It covered more than 48,000 acres and employed thousands of workers, many of whom came from Adams County and surrounding areas.
The NAD played a vital role in supplying ammunition to the U.S. Navy during the war, and its presence brought significant economic and population growth to the region. After the war, the depot continued to operate during the early years of the Cold War but was eventually decommissioned in 1966. Today, much of the land formerly occupied by the NAD has been repurposed for agricultural and industrial use, though remnants of the depot’s history can still be found in the area.
The Birthplace of Kool-Aid (1927)
Hastings, Nebraska, is famously known as the birthplace of Kool-Aid, the popular powdered drink mix. Invented by Edwin Perkins in 1927, Kool-Aid became a household staple in the United States and is still widely recognized today. Perkins developed the drink mix in his mother’s kitchen, and its success quickly grew, leading to Kool-Aid becoming a national brand. The city of Hastings celebrates its connection to the iconic beverage each year with Kool-Aid Days, a festival that attracts visitors from across the country.
Historical Sites in Adams County
Adams County is home to several historical sites that reflect its rich cultural heritage and significant events. These sites offer visitors a glimpse into the county’s past and provide educational and recreational opportunities for locals and tourists alike.
Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Overview
The Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History is one of the largest museums in Nebraska, offering exhibits on the natural history, culture, and development of Adams County and the state. The museum features displays on the history of the railroad, World War II, and the Naval Ammunition Depot, as well as a dedicated section on Kool-Aid and its inventor, Edwin Perkins. In addition to its historical exhibits, the museum has a planetarium and a large collection of fossils and wildlife displays, making it a popular destination for families and school groups.
Location
1330 N Burlington Avenue, Hastings, Nebraska.
Ticket Price
Admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $6 for children. Special rates are available for groups and school visits.
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site, with ample space for cars, buses, and RVs.
Naval Ammunition Depot Historical Site
Overview
The site of the former Naval Ammunition Depot near Hastings offers visitors a chance to explore the remnants of one of the largest ammunition production facilities in the U.S. during World War II. Though much of the land has been converted for agricultural use, several historical markers and structures remain, providing insight into the depot’s role in the war effort. Guided tours are occasionally available, allowing visitors to learn more about the depot’s history and its impact on Adams County.
Location
Access via U.S. Highway 6, just east of Hastings, Nebraska.
Ticket Price
There is no charge to visit the historical site, though donations are accepted to support preservation efforts.
Parking Information
Parking is available near the historical markers, with enough space for personal vehicles and small tour buses.
Jacob Fisher Rainbow Fountain
Overview
Located in Highland Park in downtown Hastings, the Jacob Fisher Rainbow Fountain is a beloved local landmark and one of the most recognizable features of the city. Built in the 1930s as part of a public works project, the fountain features colorful water displays that light up the night, creating a rainbow effect. The fountain has been a favorite gathering place for locals and visitors for decades, and it remains a symbol of community pride.
Location
Highland Park, 202 E 3rd Street, Hastings, Nebraska.
Ticket Price
Free to visit.
Parking Information
Street parking is available around the park, and there is a small public parking lot nearby.
Kool-Aid: Birthplace Exhibit at Hastings Museum
Overview
In addition to its broader historical collections, the Hastings Museum has a special exhibit dedicated to the history of Kool-Aid. This exhibit explores the life of Edwin Perkins, the drink’s inventor, and how he developed Kool-Aid in his Hastings kitchen. The exhibit includes original marketing materials, vintage Kool-Aid packets, and memorabilia from the early days of the brand. It also highlights the annual Kool-Aid Days festival, which celebrates Hastings’ role in the creation of this iconic American drink.
Location
Hastings Museum, 1330 N Burlington Avenue, Hastings, Nebraska.
Ticket Price
Included in the general admission to the museum.
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site.
County Facts About Adams County, Nebraska
Geography and Climate
Adams County is located in south-central Nebraska and covers an area of approximately 564 square miles. The county is characterized by its flat to gently rolling terrain, which is ideal for agriculture, the dominant industry in the region. The Little Blue River runs through the county, providing an important water source for irrigation. Adams County experiences a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures range from 70°F to 90°F, while winter temperatures can range from 10°F to 30°F. The county receives moderate precipitation, with the majority falling during the growing season, making it well-suited for farming.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Year Founded: 1867
- County Seat: Hastings
- Population: Approximately 31,500 (as of the 2020 Census)
- Population Density: 55 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Hastings, Juniata, Kenesaw
- Major Highways: U.S. Route 6, U.S. Route 34, U.S. Route 281, Nebraska Highway 74
- Adjacent Counties:
- Hall County (north)
- Webster County (south)
- Clay County (east)
- Kearney County (west)