Easternmost county in Nebraska: Richardson County occupies the southeast tip of the state, bordering both Missouri (across the Missouri River) and Kansas.
Founded early in territorial history: The county was created in 1854 and reorganized in 1855, making it one of Nebraska’s earliest counties.
Named for William A. Richardson: The county honors William A. Richardson, an Illinois congressman involved in sponsoring the Kansas–Nebraska Act and later appointed Nebraska Territorial Governor.
License plate prefix 19: Richardson County uses prefix 19 in Nebraska’s license plate system, indicating its historical ranking in vehicle registrations when the system was created in 1922.
Diverse natural resources: The area contains inexhaustible quarries of high‑quality building stone, gravel deposits, and historically produced coal near Rulo and Humboldt.
Agricultural strength: The county is a major producer of hogs, cattle, corn, alfalfa, wheat, and apples.
Geographical features: The Great Nemaha River crosses the county west to east, eventually meeting the Missouri River; temperatures have ranged historically from –30°F to 105°F.
Historical Highlights of Richardson County
Early inhabitants: The Pawnee, followed by the Sac and Fox, were among the earliest Indigenous groups in the region, with Pawnee presence dating back several centuries.
Opened for settlement in 1854: The Kansas–Nebraska Act opened the region to settlers, leading to the immediate creation of Richardson County.
County seat struggles: The original seat was Archer, but due to treaty complications, it was moved several times—contested by Rulo, Salem, Arago, and Falls City—before being permanently located in Falls City in 1871 by public vote.
Courthouse history:
First courthouse built in 1863
Second courthouse built in 1873, later destroyed by fire in 1919
Notable disasters:
The Irving, Kansas Tornado of 1879 (an F4 storm) passed through the county, killing 18 people and injuring 60.
In 1966, Braniff Airlines Flight 250 crashed near Falls City, killing all 42 passengers and crew.
Early economic development: Numerous mills operated along the Nemaha and Muddy Creek waterways in the county’s early years, supporting local settlement and agriculture.