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81-398: The current NSP Superintendent is Colonel John A. Bolduc. NSP is divided into six districts including: NSP has several divisions which operate within the department, they include: NSP runs their own 24-week in-resident training academy in lieu of sending recruits through the standard Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center's 13-week course. The new Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy

162-772: A Spanish scout and explorer in the Southwest , was a war captain of the Spanish Indian auxiliaries. By 1714 (the same year the French explorers reached the Platte), he and a small exploration group from the south had reportedly already reached the Platte three times. He later guided the 1720 Villasur expedition to the area in a Spanish effort to stop French expansion onto the Great Plains. Naranjo and Villasur's party made

243-525: A U.S. Army officer on leave, led an expedition to the west financed by John Jacob Astor . They took wagons along the Platte, North Platte and Sweetwater River trail to the Green River in present-day Wyoming. The notable author Washington Irving wrote an account of Bonneville's explorations in the west that made him well known in the US. Following the fur traders, the major emigration trails established along

324-560: A canoe to travel far. The Platte River valley provided an easily passable wagon corridor; it sloped gradually up in height as it went almost due west from the Missouri. The Platte route had access to water, grass, buffalo and buffalo 'chips,' which the Indians and emigrants used as fuel for fires. Long Native American use had created trails on both sides of the muddy, about 1 mile (1.6 km) wide and shallow Platte River. The Platte's water

405-570: A crop in Nebraska. The first sugar beet processing factory in the United States was built in the southwest part of Grand Island. By 1900, it the state's third largest city. Throughout the 20th century, Grand Island experienced steady growth due to its strategic location along the railroad. The city remained Nebraska's third largest city throughout the entire century, before being surpassed by Bellevue in 2000. Grand Island has experienced

486-427: A margin of error of +/- $ 3,441) and the median family income $ 66,755 (+/- $ 4,142). Males had a median income of $ 37,579 (+/- $ 2,047) versus $ 29,532 (+/- $ 1,595) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $ 33,197 (+/- $ 1,293). Approximately, 9.3% of families and 11.8% of the population were below the poverty line , including 16.6% of those under the age of 18 and 10.2% of those ages 65 or over. As of

567-573: A new settlement on an island known by French traders as La Grande Isle , which was formed by the Wood River and the Platte River . The settlers reached their destination on July 4, 1857, and by September had built housing using local timber. They set up farms but initially had no market to sell their goods until a market opened at Fort Kearny . When the Pike's Peak Gold Rush began, Grand Island

648-938: A number of Nebraska stakeholders embarked upon the Platte River Cooperative Hydrology Study (COHYST). Conducted with assistance from the United States Geological Survey and the Natural Resources Conservation Service , this study attempts to arrive at a better understanding of the geology and hydrology of the Platte River basin from the Colorado and Wyoming borders to Columbus, including the Loup basin. This improved understanding could be used to develop policies for management of

729-549: A number of revitalization efforts in the 21st century. These include several expansions to the city's airport, as well as the relocation of the Nebraska State Fair to Grand Island. On June 3, 1980, Grand Island was hit by a massive supercell storm. Through the course of the evening, the city was ravaged by seven tornadoes , the worst of which was rated F4 on the Fujita Scale . The hardest hit area of town

810-591: A plume of contaminated groundwater was discovered beneath the Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant , which occupies 20 square miles (52 km ) west of Grand Island. The plume extended northeast of the plant and migrated towards Grand Island. Hazardous level of RDX and TNT were discovered, remnants of the explosives produced at the plant during various wars. In 1987, the Army burned about 40,000 tons of explosives-contaminated soil. In 1998,

891-405: A previously adopted closure of part of such river basin, subbasin, or reach to the issuance of additional water well permits, or to temporarily suspend or continue in effect a temporary suspension previously adopted on the drilling of new water wells in all or part of such river basin, subbasin, or reach. Most of the Platte River basin is currently considered as overappropriated. Beginning in 2004,

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972-572: A pump-and-treat facility that continues to operate was built to cycle contaminated water through an explosives residue-removal system. The Army injected "hot spots" of contamination substances to curtail the contamination. As of 2014 , TNT and RDX were still present. Construction of a primary water detention cell for flood control has been delayed by the slow cleanup. The 2020 United States census counted 53,131 people, 19,601 households, and 12,983 families in Grand Island. The population density

1053-551: A recreation area, 2 ranges (1 static shooting, 1 combat), an inspection bay and training room for commercial vehicle inspections, a police service dog training grounds/boarding area, a driving range, and a cafeteria. The State Patrol's style of instruction balances a para-military environment with an academic environment. The curriculum includes instruction in officer survival, investigations, patrolling, legal, administrative, tactical, human understanding, traffic (motor vehicle laws), and carrier enforcement. The Training Academy staff

1134-406: A river basin, subbasin, or reach shall be deemed overappropriated if it is subject to an interstate cooperative agreement among more states and if, prior to such date, the state has declared a moratorium on the issuance of new surface water appropriations in such river, subbasin, or reach, and has requested each natural resources district jurisdiction in the affected area to close or continue in effect

1215-706: Is about 310 mi (500 km) long; measured to its farthest source via its tributary, the North Platte River , it flows for over 1,050 miles (1,690 km). The Platte River is a tributary of the Missouri River , which itself is a tributary of the Mississippi River which flows to the Gulf of Mexico . The Platte over most of its length is a broad, shallow, meandering stream with a sandy bottom and many islands—a braided stream . The Platte

1296-611: Is co-located with the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island, Nebraska . The collocation of agencies upgraded the facilities for virtually every officer completing law enforcement certification in the State of Nebraska. The Training Academy includes: barracks to house up to 208 officers, modern classrooms, a defensive tactics room, a fitness room, a training tank, a gymnasium,

1377-736: Is entirely demand-responsive, with rides requiring reservation 24 hours in advance. As of 2023, Grand Island is the largest city in Nebraska without fixed-route public transit. Fixed route service was studied, but not recommended, in the GO Grand Island Transit 2023 Transit Development Plan. Grand Island also sports a total of fifteen traffic circles, many of which are within close proximity to each other. This system allows for particularly efficient through-traffic while sacrificing speed and barring transportation to some locations by certain, longer vehicles. Of these fifteen recorded roundabouts, fourteen are designated "official," while one

1458-537: Is estimated at 3,240 cu ft/s (92 m /s). The Platte drains one of the most arid areas of the Great Plains with a flow that is considerably lower than rivers of comparable length in North America. For much of its length, it is a classic wide, muddy and shallow braided stream which in the lower reaches flows in a floodplain bordered by bluffs. During pioneer days, the common humorous description

1539-424: Is joined from the north by the about 70-mile-long (110 km) Loup River about 2 miles (3 km) southeast of Columbus. During pioneer days, a Loup River ferry crossed the river. From Columbus, the Platte flows almost due east about 50 miles (80 km) past North Bend and then on to Fremont . Near Fremont, the Platte bends south and then east around the location of Omaha in a large "L" turn. Near Fremont

1620-469: Is much smaller due to the extensive water taken from it for irrigation. Historically, the North Platte River was up to a mile wide (1.6 km) in many places, as evidenced by the old streambed and historic written records. The South Platte River drainage includes about 28,000 square miles (73,000 km ) in the north east corner of Colorado, parts of southeastern Wyoming in the vicinity of

1701-562: Is one of the most significant tributary systems in the watershed of the Missouri, draining a large portion of the central Great Plains in Nebraska and the eastern Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Wyoming . The river valley played an important role in the westward expansion of the United States, providing the route for several major emigrant trails, including the Oregon , California , Mormon and Bozeman trails. The first Europeans to see

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1782-400: Is reportedly an "unofficial" insertion into the Grand Island's public transportation network. As of 2024, Grand Island is served by CHI Health St. Francis Hospital, with 153 beds. The city is also served by Grand Island Regional Medical Center, which opened in 2020. Platte River The Platte River ( / p l æ t / ) is a major American river, in the state of Nebraska . It

1863-546: Is used for sledding in this otherwise flat area. A book, Night of the Twisters , by Ivy Ruckman, and movie were based on this event. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 28.55 square miles (73.94 km ), of which 28.41 square miles (73.58 km ) is land and 0.14 square miles (0.36 km ) is water. Grand Island is located just a few miles north of

1944-483: Is well-versed in educational theories such as state-to-state training and adult learning guidelines. The recruits undergo nearly one thousand hours of instruction during camp. The challenge is to ensure they are absorbing and retaining the information. In accordance with the adult learning theory, classes run into the evening rather than starting too early in the morning and much of the instruction involves hands-on and scenario-based training. State-to-state training means

2025-476: The Central Flyway . Fossil evidence in the Platte River valley indicates this crane stopover has been active for over 10 million years. Since the mid-20th century, this river has shrunk significantly. This reduction in size is attributed in part to its waters being used for irrigation, and to a much greater extent to the waters diverted and used by the growing population of Colorado, which has outstripped

2106-613: The Mormon Trail north of the Platte River and had to ferry across the Elkhorn. After the Union Pacific railroad was constructed west from Omaha in 1866, it had to build a major bridge across the Elkhorn. After the confluence of the Elkhorn and the Platte River, the Platte continues southward, about 7 miles (11 km) before it turns sharply and heads almost due East for about 20 miles (32 km) before its confluence with

2187-593: The Nebraskier , after its Oto name, meaning "flat water". The French later applied the French word plate (meaning flat, and pronounced plat , or platte ) to the river. Occupied by various Indian tribes for part of each year, the Platte River territory had been claimed by both Spanish and French explorers trying to rule the Great Plains. Spain had claimed all of the Great Plains after Coronado's 1541–42 expedition. Jose Naranjo, an African - Hopi who served as

2268-622: The Oregon boundary dispute with Britain in 1846, the conclusion of the Mexican–American War in 1848, and the California Gold Rush in 1849 and other gold and silver strikes rapidly attracted increased emigrant traffic west. The Platte River in the future state of Nebraska and the North Platte River in Wyoming typically had many channels and islands. The waterways were often too shallow, crooked, muddy and unpredictable for

2349-406: The Platte River , one of Nebraska's most prominent rivers on which many of the state's major cities and towns sit. The Grand Island Metropolitan Statistical Area consists of Hall, Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick counties. Hamilton was added to the metropolitan area in 2012. The Grand Island MSA is home to 76,479 people (2023 estimate), making it one of the smallest in the United States . In 1981,

2430-697: The Routt National Forest and North Park near what is now Walden to Casper, Wyoming . Shortly after passing Casper, the North Platte turns to the east-southeast and flows about 350 miles (560 km) to the city of North Platte, Nebraska. In Colorado and Wyoming, the North Platte is narrower and much swifter flowing than it is in Nebraska, where it becomes a slow flowing, shallow braided stream . The North Platte River has been dammed about eight times for water storage and irrigation purposes in Wyoming and Nebraska as it flows to its confluence with

2511-646: The South Fork South Platte River and Middle Fork South Platte River , approximately 15 miles (24 km) southeast of Fairplay, Colorado . After the South and Middle fork join, the South Platte flows east-southeast till it exits Elevenmile Reservoir; it turns almost ninety degrees to skirt the west side of Pikes Peak and flows roughly east-northeast about 100 miles (160 km) through Denver and on to Greeley, Colorado . From Greeley,

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2592-529: The census of 2010, there were 48,520 people, 18,326 households, and 11,846 families living in the city. The population density was 1,707.8 inhabitants per square mile (659.4/km ). There were 19,426 housing units at an average density of 683.8 per square mile (264.0/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 80.0% White , 2.1% African American , 1.0% Native American , 1.2% Asian , 0.2% Pacific Islander , 13.1% from other races , and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 26.7% of

2673-585: The interior least tern are birds using the flyway which have been classified as endangered and are protected under the Platte River Endangered Species Partnership. Common plants in the Platte River area are big and little bluestem, switch grass, and cottonwood trees. White-tail deer, many types of catfish, Canada geese, and bald eagles attract fans. The Platte River area has long supported many animals but recently, due to urbanization and farming causing loss of habitat,

2754-479: The 1540s, dramatically changed life in the Great Plains. Indian tribes could more easily follow the buffalo herds as they migrated from north to south and back. Before 1870, herds of several hundred thousand bison (buffalo) periodically migrated across the Platte in following seasonal grazing. The animals often waded or swam across the Platte. The first-known European to see the Platte was the French explorer Étienne de Veniard, sieur de Bourgmont in 1714, who named it

2835-612: The Glock Model 20 10mm which featured the NSP logo engraved in the slide. The Nebraska State Patrol utilizes numerous AR-15 styled rifles for patrol as well as for the tactical team. Some patrol rifles feature the EOTech Holographic Sight equipped on the rifle and have spare magazines attached to the rifle. Currently the agency is training new recruits with the Glock Model 45 9mm handgun. The Glock Model 45 has

2916-626: The Mississippi River to the British. The Spanish took over lands west of the Mississippi River. Since there were few fur-bearing animals on the Platte of interest to the fur traders , the French and British explorers and fur trappers ignored the Platte territory for some time. During the course of the Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815), France briefly reacquired the land west of the Mississippi River from Spain. In 1804, Napoleon sold

2997-541: The Missouri River. Sarpy County is shaped like a crescent, being bounded on the east by the Missouri River, on the south and west by the Platte, and on the north by Douglas County which contains Omaha. The Platte-Missouri River confluence is about 10 miles (16 km) south of Omaha. Including the North Platte River, the Platte River stretches over 850 miles (1,400 km), with a drainage basin of about 90,000 square miles (230,000 km ). The mean annual flow

3078-571: The National Civic League. Grand Island is home to the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center, which is the sole agency responsible for training law enforcement officers throughout the state, as well as the home of the Southern Power District serving southern Nebraska. Ammunition manufacturer Hornady is also located there. In 1857, 35 German settlers left Davenport, Iowa , and headed west to Nebraska to start

3159-551: The Platte is joined from the north by the Elkhorn River . The Elkhorn, a 290-mile-long (470 km) river, originates in the eastern Sandhills of Nebraska and is one of the largest tributaries of the Platte River. The Elkhorn joins the Platte on its south-bound path just southwest of Omaha, approximately 1 mile (2 km) south and 3 miles (5 km) west of Gretna . The pioneers leaving from near Omaha (established 1854) or Council Bluffs, Iowa (established 1846) used

3240-404: The Platte turns sharply and flows south-southeast about 10 miles (16 km) to about Waterloo, Nebraska —located about 20 miles (32 km) west of Omaha. Near Waterloo the Platte turns even more and heads almost due south for about 10 miles (16 km). About 30 miles (48 km) east-southeast of Waterloo and about 30 miles (48 km) from the Platte's confluence with the Missouri River ,

3321-469: The Platte were French explorers and fur trappers about 1714; they first called it the Nebraskier (Nebraska), a transliteration of the name given by the Otoe people, meaning "flat water". This expression is very close to the French words "rivière platte" ("flat river"), the probable origin of the name Platte River. The Platte River is formed in western Nebraska east of the city of North Platte, Nebraska by

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3402-592: The Platte, North Platte River and Sweetwater River was first written about after its discovery in 1811 by Wilson Price Hunt of the Astor Expedition . He was returning to the Missouri River posts from the newly established Fort Astoria on the Columbia River near the Pacific Ocean. Because few American trappers and settlers were then in the contested Oregon Territory , his trail discovery

3483-591: The South Platte River trail into Colorado. After the North Platte and the South Platte rivers join to form the Platte River, over most of its length it is a sandy, broad, shallow, braided river. Its many shallow channels and islands and ever-changing sandbars made navigation difficult; it was never used as a major water transportation route. The Platte flows in a large arc, east-southeast to near Fort Kearny and then east-northeast, across Nebraska south of Grand Island and on to Columbus . The Platte River

3564-480: The South Platte River. The upper reaches of the river in the Rockies in Colorado and Wyoming are popular for recreation rafting and lure and fly fishing for rainbow , brown , cutthroat trout and other sport fish. In western Nebraska, the banks and riverbed of the North Platte provide a green oasis amid an otherwise semi-arid region of North America. Today, by the time the North Platte reaches Paxton, Nebraska it

3645-503: The South Platte turns east and flows about 200 miles (320 km) to its confluence with the North Platte River near the city of North Platte, Nebraska. The South Platte River has been dammed about 20 times for water storage, drinking water and irrigation purposes in Colorado as it flows to its confluence with the North Platte River. The total number of dams in the South Platte drainage may exceed 1,000 as nearly all major streams have at least one dam on them. The South Platte River serves as

3726-446: The US initially had little interest in settling the land on the plains. The next "good" land was believed to be in Oregon or California , especially the coastal areas, and those were the destinations of most emigrant traffic. The Mormons settled Utah , largely due to religious persecution in eastern areas. Various gold and silver strikes attracted further emigration to nearly all western states. The Native American trail west along

3807-450: The ability of its groundwater to sustain them. Varying cultures of indigenous peoples lived intermittently along the Platte for thousands of years before European exploration. Historical tribes claimed various territories in the region. The Indian tribes typically visited different areas in different seasons, as they followed the bison herds for hunting periods. The introduction of horses, which had escaped from early Spanish explorers in

3888-489: The area west of the Mississippi River to the US in the Louisiana Purchase ; the US roughly doubled its area at a cost of about $ 15,000,000. In 1820 the U.S. Army ordered Major Stephen H. Long to explore and map the area around the Platte. Long reported the area as a great American desert, despite its native inhabitants and wildlife, due to a lack of easily-cultivated land. As a result of his and other reports,

3969-406: The average family size was 3.09. In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.0% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.1 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 96.0 males. The median income for a household in the city

4050-427: The center of Grand Island. Central Nebraska Regional Airport is located in Grand Island. On September 4, 2008, Allegiant Air began nonstop service from Grand Island to Las Vegas, Nevada . In June 2011, American Eagle Airlines began providing service to Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas , twice daily. Intercity buses operated by Burlington Trailways and Express Arrow serve Grand Island. The city's transit system

4131-586: The city of Cheyenne and a small part of the southwest corner of Nebraska. The South Platte drains a large part of the Front Range mountains east of the continental divide. The part of the river labeled the South Platte is formed in Park County, Colorado , located southwest of Denver , in the South Park grassland basin and mountains east of the continental divide. It is formed by the confluence of

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4212-437: The city. The population density was 2,000.2 inhabitants per square mile (772.3/km ). There were 17,421 housing units at an average density of 811.5 per square mile (313.3/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 86.72% White , 0.42% African American , 0.33% Native American , 1.31% Asian , 0.17% Pacific Islander , 9.64% from other races , and 1.42% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 15.94% of

4293-663: The confluence of the North Platte and the South Platte Rivers , which both arise from snowmelt in the eastern Rockies east of the Continental Divide . In central north Colorado is the North Park valley, ringed by mountains of 12,000 feet (3,700 m) height; this is where the North Platte River originates. The head of the North Platte River is essentially all of Jackson County ; its boundaries are

4374-413: The continental divide on the west and south and the mountain drainage peaks on the east—the north boundary is the state of Wyoming. The nearest Colorado town is Walden , the county seat. The rugged Rocky Mountains Continental Divide surrounding Jackson County have at least twelve peaks over 11,000 feet (3,400 m) in height. From Jackson County, the North Platte flows north about 200 miles (320 km) out of

4455-601: The fair attracts thousands of people to the city, with a record attendance of over 300,000 in 2024. The Stuhr Museum, also known as the Museum of the Pioneer Prarie, is a museum located in southwestern Grand Island. The museum houses over 140,000 artifacts from early settlers in central Nebraska, and features a living history village called Railroad Town. Railroad Town is designed to evoke an 1890s-era prairie village and made up of many original period structures moved to

4536-474: The first irrigation ditch to divert water from the Platte for farming. In March 1924, the U.S. Army Air Corps conducted a three-day bombing campaign on an ice gorge that threatened bridges near the town of North Bend. The Platte is in the middle of the Central Flyway, a primary north–south corridor for migratory birds from their summer nesting grounds in the north ( Alaska and Canada ), south for

4617-520: The grip and capacity of a Glock 17 but has the slide of a Glock 19. The current troopers will transition to the new 9mm handguns from their current Glock 21SF .45 caliber sidearms, which are 9 years old. Since the creation of the Nebraska State Patrol, 12 officers have died in the line of duty. Grand Island, Nebraska Grand Island is a city in and the county seat of Hall County , Nebraska , United States. The population

4698-649: The most northern of Spanish exploration trips into the central plains. A Pawnee and Otoe Indian attack defeated the Spanish forces; the survivors returned to Santa Fe, New Mexico , and the Spanish left the Great Plains to the American Indians. As a result of the Seven Years' War (1756–1763) (called the French and Indian War in America), the French ceded all of their lands in North America east of

4779-486: The museum. There are several parks located within Grand Island. The most prominent of these include Stolley Park, and the George Clayton Hall County Park. Interstate 80 is located four miles south of the city. U.S. Route 281 is the main north-south route in the city, running through the city's west edge south to Hastings , and north to O'Neill . U.S. Route 30 runs east-west through

4860-729: The north and south banks of the Platte and North Platte River were the Oregon (1843–1869), California (1843–1869), Mormon (1847–1869) and the Bozeman (1863–68) trails. This network of trails, sometimes called the Emigrant Trails or the Great Platte River Road , all went west along both sides of the Platte River. The route along the Platte River included all these emigration trails and was developed as an important trail route used by migrant wagon trains for westward United States expansion after 1841. The settlement of

4941-419: The numbers have declined. Canada geese have adapted to the farm fields and scavenge a large part of their fare from unharvested grain. Many have taken up residence at suburban office parks and stopped seasonal migrations. The Platte River flowing through an arid part of the mid-west has been widely overused. The claims on the Platte River water have exceeded the supply of water in drier years. Under Nebraska law,

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5022-415: The population was under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.0 years. For every 100 females, the population had 103.4 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 100.8 males. The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $ 56,513 (with

5103-411: The population. There were 16,426 households, out of which 34.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.0% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.8% were non-families. 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and

5184-443: The population. There were 18,326 households, of which 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.5% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.4% were non-families. 29.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size

5265-530: The principal source of water for arid eastern Colorado. The South Platte River valley provided a major emigration path to Denver. The wagon trails followed the south side of the Platte/North Platte River. Wagon trains were ferried or waded in low water years across the swampy-bottomed South Platte River in several places to stay on the south side of the North Platte River where the trails were located. Miners who later went on to Denver followed

5346-449: The railroad and UP built service facilities for their locomotives in the town as well as an elegant hotel for passengers providing a boost for the local economy. The cost of the railroad coming into town was the denudement of most of the hardwood trees on the island for use as ties for the railroad. By 1870, 1,057 people lived in the town, and in 1872 the town was incorporated as Grand Island. In about 1890, sugar beets were introduced as

5427-414: The staff tries to present the instruction in the same conditions and environments the recruits will actually experience on the street. Prior to the Glock Model 21SF, troopers carried other Glock Model pistols one of which was the Glock Model 22 .40 S&W which had the Nebraska State Patrol logo and "NSP" etched into the slide of the pistol. The NSP authorized various Glock Models over the years including

5508-613: The trail. On their return trip, the fur traders carried out furs destined for eastern markets. The fur trade route was used to about 1840. By about 1832, the fur traders had improved the trail along the Platte, North Platte, and Sweetwater rivers to a rough wagon trail from the Missouri River to the Green River in Wyoming, where most of the Rocky Mountain Rendezvous were held. In 1834 Benjamin Bonneville ,

5589-549: The trails along the Platte. The Pony Express , operational from 1860–61, and the First Transcontinental Telegraph , completed in 1861, both followed the earlier emigrant trails along the Platte. The completion of the telegraph put the Pony Express out of business as it could provide much faster east–west communication. In 1866 the Union Pacific portion of the first Transcontinental Railroad

5670-413: The winter, and the return in the spring. The Central Flyway bird species include trumpeter swans , tundra swans , over one million Canada geese , greater white-fronted geese , sandhill cranes, canvasback ducks and others. Other species such as bald eagles , herons and several species of ducks migrate through the Platte River area but over shorter distances. The whooping crane, piping plover , and

5751-482: Was $ 36,044, and the median income for a family was $ 43,197. Males had a median income of $ 28,925 versus $ 20,521 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 17,071. About 9.9% of families and 12.8% of the population were below the poverty line , including 16.7% of those under age 18 and 8.1% of those aged 65 or over. In 2010, Grand Island became the home of the Nebraska State Fair. Each year,

5832-418: Was 1,765.7 per square mile (681.9/km ). There were 20,758 housing units at an average density of 689.9 per square mile (266.4/km ). The racial makeup was 65.82% (34,970) white , 3.53% (1,876) black or African-American , 1.62% (859) Native American , 1.31% (695) Asian , 0.07% (35) Pacific Islander , 17.33% (9,205) from other races , and 10.33% (5,491) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race

5913-436: Was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.20. The median age in the city was 34.7 years. 27.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.7% were from 25 to 44; 23.9% were from 45 to 64; and 13% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.8% male and 50.2% female. As of the census of 2000, there were 42,940 people, 16,426 households, and 11,038 families living in

5994-402: Was 32.0% (16,585) of the population. Of the 19,601 households, 35.4% had children under the age of 18; 46.5% were married couples living together; 25.2% had a female householder with no husband present. 27.5% of households consisted of individuals and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.6 and the average family size was 3.1. 27.2% of

6075-490: Was 53,131 at the 2020 census , making it the 4th most populous city in Nebraska . Grand Island is the principal city of the Grand Island metropolitan area , which consists of Hall, Merrick , Howard and Hamilton counties. The Grand Island metropolitan area has an official population of 83,472 residents. Grand Island has been given the All-America City Award four times (1955, 1967, 1981, and 1982) by

6156-581: Was constructed along the Platte River as it started west from Omaha. In the 20th century, the Lincoln Highway and later Interstate 80 were constructed through the Platte valley. The highways parallel the Platte and the North Platte through much of Nebraska. Many of Nebraska’s larger cities originated on or near the Platte River, as it was the first path of transportation. These include Omaha (est. 1854), Fort Kearny (est. 1848), Grand Island (est. 1857) and North Platte (est. 1869). In 1859 settlers built

6237-485: Was little used and nearly forgotten. In 1823 Jedediah Smith and several trappers "rediscovered" the route. The trail along the Platte, North Platte and Sweetwater rivers became a major route of fur traders to their summer Rocky Mountain Rendezvous . In 1824 fur trappers and traders directing mule trains carrying trade goods and supplies for the mountain men were some of the first European-American parties to use

6318-533: Was silty and bad tasting, but it was usable if no other water was available. Emigrants learned to let it sit in a bucket for an hour or so to settle most of the silt. The trail(s) through the Platte River Valley extended about 450 miles (720 km) in the present state of Nebraska. Nearly all the trails from the Missouri converged on the Platte River at or before Fort Kearny in mid-state Nebraska. Historians have estimated about 400,000 emigrants followed

6399-434: Was that the Platte was "a mile wide at the mouth, but only six inches deep." 49ers said it was "too thick to drink, too thin to plow". In western Nebraska, the banks and riverbed of the Platte provide a green oasis amid an otherwise semi-arid region of North America. The central Platte River valley is an important stopover for migratory water birds, such as the whooping crane and sandhill crane , in their yearly traversal of

6480-534: Was the South Locust business district. There were five deaths as a result of the tornadoes. Tornado Hill is a local landmark created as a direct result of the tornadoes. Debris that could not be recycled was burned near Fonner Park and what remained was buried within Ryder Park, on the west end of town. The base of the hill was a hole 6–8 feet deep and nearly 200 feet across, and the hill is 40 feet high. It

6561-488: Was the last place travelers could obtain supplies before they crossed the plains. Surveyors from the Union Pacific Railroad (UP) laid out a town called Grand Island Station and many settlers living on Grand Island moved to the new town, located slightly inland from the island. In 1868 the railroad reached the area, bringing increased trade and business. Grand Island became the end of the east division of

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