Seward, Nebraska

Seward is a city and county seat of Seward County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 6,964 at the 2010 census. Seward is part of the Lincoln, Nebraska Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is known for its large Fourth of July celebration.

Seward, Nebraska
City
Downtown Seward: west side of courthouse square
Location of Seward within Seward County and Nebraska
Coordinates: 40°54′40″N 97°5′49″W
CountryUnited States
StateNebraska
CountySeward
Area
[1]
 • Total4.49 sq mi (11.63 km2)
 • Land4.46 sq mi (11.54 km2)
 • Water0.04 sq mi (0.09 km2)
Elevation
1,493 ft (455 m)
Population
 (2010)[2]
 • Total6,964
 • Estimate 
(2019)[3]
7,216
 • Density1,619.39/sq mi (625.31/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
68434
Area code(s)402
FIPS code31-44420
GNIS feature ID0833348 [4]
Websitecityofsewardne.com

History

Seward was platted in 1868.[5] It was named from Seward County.[6] The railroad was built through Seward in 1873. [7]

The Seward County Menace is an urban legend who has been seen by many, but known by very few.

It was first sited in 1931 by a Seward County resident driving past the Garland Curves on his way to Lincoln. In the late evening, he reports seeing a reptilian figure crawling on all fours. The creature lunged toward him and nearly caused him to crash. This legend was popular primarily within the Concordia University community during the mid 20th century. Since this occurrence, many more people have claimed to see the Seward County Menace.

The SCM has been most commonly seen after car crashes. Several accident survivors have stated that their crash was caused by this menace. These people have also given more details on the appearance of the SCM. Some people have said that the creature walks on its hind legs, while others have seen him on all fours. The most common features of the Seward County Menace is his tail and skin like body. There are even reports that he has a maroon or red human-like face.

It is said that the Garland Curves has had many accidents because of the Seward County Menace. It has been speculated, but not proven that there have missing bodies from vehicle crashes along this area. It is assumed that the reptile monster is the cause of these cases. Some theorize that the SCM still resides in the Garland Curves, surviving on berries, fish, birds, and sometimes even his victims.

Geography

Seward is located at 40°54′40″N 97°5′49″W (40.911216, -97.096972).[8] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.31 square miles (11.16 km2), of which 4.27 square miles (11.06 km2) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2) is water.[9]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
18801,525—
18902,10838.2%
19001,970−6.5%
19102,1066.9%
19202,36812.4%
19302,73715.6%
19402,8263.3%
19503,15411.6%
19604,20833.4%
19705,29425.8%
19805,7137.9%
19905,634−1.4%
20006,31912.2%
20106,96410.2%
2019 (est.)7,216[3]3.6%
U.S. Decennial Census[10]

2010 census

At the 2010 census there were 6,964 people, 2,521 households, and 1,653 families living in the city. The population density was 1,630.9 inhabitants per square mile (629.7/km2). There were 2,796 housing units at an average density of 654.8 per square mile (252.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 96.8% White, 0.6% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.9%.[2]

Of the 2,521 households 32.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.0% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.4% were non-families. 30.2% of households were one person and 15.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.98.

The median age was 32.4 years. 22.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 18.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.5% were from 25 to 44; 22% were from 45 to 64; and 15.1% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.1% male and 51.9% female.

2000 census

At the 2000 census, there were 6,319 people, 2,281 households, and 1,494 families living in the city. The population density was 1,930.9 people per square mile (746.1/km2). There were 2,415 housing units at an average density of 737.9 per square mile (285.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.97% White, 0.46% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.36% from other races, and 0.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.98% of the population.

Of the 2,281 households 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.6% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.5% were non-families. 29.8% of households were one person and 16.2% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.99.

The age distribution was 22.6% under the age of 18, 20.1% from 18 to 24, 22.9% from 25 to 44, 17.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.5% 65 or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.4 males.

The median household income was $41,264, and the median family income was $54,808. Males had a median income of $33,828 versus $22,231 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,668. About 4.1% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.

Fourth of July City

Seward has celebrated US Independence Day on July 4 almost every year since 1868. Before the automobile came into general use, special trains were run to bring people to the event. In 1973, Governor J. James Exon issued a proclamation designating Seward "Nebraska's Official 4th of July City." In 1976, the city was chosen to host Nebraska's July 4 celebrations for the United States Bicentennial. In 1979, a resolution in the US Congress named Seward "America's Official Fourth of July City—Small Town USA." Recent attendance has been estimated at about 40,000.[11][12]

Education

Seward Public Schools is the only public district in the city. It operates Seward Elementary School, Seward Middle School, and Seward High School. In addition, St. John Lutheran Elementary and Junior High School provide a LCMS Lutheran education and St. Vincent de Paul provides a Roman Catholic education.

Concordia University is located in Seward.

Notable people

References
  1. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  2. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-06-24.
  3. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  4. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  5. Burr, George L. (1921). History of Hamilton and Clay Counties, Nebraska, Volume 1. S.J. Clarke Publishing Company. p. 136.
  6. "Profile for Seward, NE". ePodunk. Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  7. "Seward, Seward County". Center for Advanced Land Management Information Technologies. University of Nebraska. Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  8. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  9. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on 2012-01-25. Retrieved 2012-06-24.
  10. United States Census Bureau. "Census of Population and Housing". Retrieved October 16, 2013.
  11. "Fourth of July, Seward, Nebraska" and subpages thereof. Retrieved 2010-12-12.
  12. "Seward, 4th of July City".[Usurped!] Nebraska State Historical Society.[Usurped!] Retrieved 2010-12-12.
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