Dundy County was created by legislative enactment on 27 February 1873. It is named in honor of Judge Elmer S. Dundy of the U.S. Circuit Court. He was prominent in Nebraska politics. Dundy County is located in the extreme southwest corner of Nebraska, with Benkelman as the county seat. The north and south forks of the Republican River join near Benkelman. The ancient Indian Traders Trail coming up the ladders of rivers, creeks, and ponds from Mexican settlements went on north. Northern clans crossed at the Republican fork bringing extra items to exchange for obsidian, pipestone, and furs. The Indian Traders Trail, Highway 61 today, has also been called Custer's Trail, and Hunter's Trail. In 1867 Custer commanding the 7th Cavalry battled Pawnee Killer gave it the the name of Custer's Trail. Buffalo hunters hauling hides to Ft Wallace called it the Hunter's Trail. The cattle drives of the 1870s from Texas to Ogallala inspired the permanent name of Texas Trail Canyon. By 1882 the B and M Railroad came through to Denver. With the railroad came the settlers and barbed wire and cornfields. - Bill Oliver
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Dundy County Communities (links will take you to general information on these communities.)
View complete list of Dundy County Dundy County Communities and Place Names with a bit of history for them.
Newspapers in Dundy County (off-site, an excellent resource. Click back button to return here.)
Dundy County HERITAGE
Andreas'History Of Nebraska 1884
Dundy Chapter
View some pictures of Dundy County
Dundy County needs a new county coordinator. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the State Coordinator or Assistant State Coordinator.
