Brownville

State: Nebraska County: Nemaha County Founded: 1854 Peak Population: Several thousand

Brownville was Nebraska's most important steamboat port—130 steamboats docked in the first half of 1857 alone. Willa Cather called it a 'ghost town' when she visited in 1894. Now revived as a historic village with museums, including a steamboat museum on an actual dredge.

Quick Facts

  • 130 steamboats docked in first half of 1857
  • Willa Cather called it a 'ghost town' in 1894
  • Steamboat museum is on an actual river dredge
  • Now a thriving historic village

Location

Address: Nemaha County, Nebraska

Coordinates: 40.3933, -95.6583