Gering, Nebraska facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gering, Nebraska
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Downtown at 10th North and M Street, August 2010
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Location within Scotts Bluff County and Nebraska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Nebraska |
| County | Scotts Bluff |
| Founded | 1887 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 5.55 sq mi (14.37 km2) |
| • Land | 5.55 sq mi (14.37 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 3,921 ft (1,195 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 8,564 |
| • Density | 1,543.34/sq mi (595.86/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) |
| ZIP code |
69341
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| Area code(s) | 308 |
| FIPS code | 31-18580 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2394885 |
| Website | gering.org |
Gering is a city in Nebraska, United States. It is the main city of Scotts Bluff County. You can find it in the western part of the state, known as the Panhandle region. In 2020, about 8,564 people lived here. This makes Gering the 17th largest city in Nebraska.
Contents
History of Gering
Gering was officially started on March 7, 1887. It is located at the base of a large bluff. This bluff is now part of the Scotts Bluff National Monument. Even though people started settling here in 1886, Gering became a town in 1887. A group led by Oscar Gardner named the town after Martin Gering. Martin Gering was a pioneer who opened the first dry goods store with Gardner. Oscar Gardner was also a lawyer and Gering's first notary public. He started the post office in 1887 and became the first Postmaster.
The Union Pacific Railroad planned the town in 1887. However, they did not build any train tracks until 1910. In November 1888, Scotts Bluff County separated from Cheyenne County. Gering then became the new county seat. This means it became the main city where the county government is located.
The city of Scottsbluff was founded across the North Platte River in 1899. It was started by a company connected to the Burlington Railroad. Scottsbluff had train tracks and a temporary station by 1900. Gering and Scottsbluff are only separated by the river. Over time, the two cities have grown together. They now form the 7th largest urban area in Nebraska.
Since it was founded, Gering has had its own newspaper, the Gering Courier.
Geography of Gering
Gering covers a total area of about 4.30 square miles (11.14 square kilometers). All of this area is land. There are no large bodies of water within the city limits.
Population and People
In 2020, the 2020 United States census counted 8,564 people living in Gering. There were 3,089 households and 2,261 families. The city is part of the Scottsbluff, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area. This means it's part of a larger area that includes Scottsbluff.
Most people in Gering are white, making up about 80.63% of the population. About 24.0% of the people are of Hispanic or Latino background. The average age in Gering is about 35.9 years old.
Fun Events in Gering
Since 1922, Gering has held its annual Oregon Trail Days. This celebration happens every year during the second week of July. It's a time when friends, families, and former Gering High School classmates come together. Many people also attend the Old Settlers reunion. The weekend is full of exciting activities for everyone.
The Oregon Trail Days weekend starts with a community barbecue on Thursday night. On Friday morning, there is an Annual Kiddie Parade on 10th Street. Friday night features the International Food Fair in Downtown Gering. On Saturday morning, the community gathers for the big Oregon Trail Days Parade. After the parade, there's an annual Chili-Cookoff in Oregon Trail Park. The weekend often ends with a concert at the Five Rocks Amphitheater on Saturday evening.
Getting Around Gering
Gering has public transportation. Since January 10, 2018, two bus routes have been available. These routes are provided by Tri-City Roadrunner.
Famous People from Gering
Many interesting people have come from Gering:
- Kip Gross - A former professional baseball pitcher.
- Galen B. Jackman - A retired U.S. Army Major General. He was also an escort for Nancy Reagan during Ronald Reagan's state funeral.
- Dave Raymond - A baseball broadcaster for the Texas Rangers.
- James G. Roudebush - A U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General. He used to be the top doctor for the U.S. Air Force.
- Teresa Scanlan - She was Miss Nebraska in 2010 and then became Miss America 2011.
- Adrian Smith - He serves in the U.S. House of Representatives for Nebraska's 3rd District.
- Asa Wood - A former state senator and president of the Nebraska Press Association. He was also a long-time publisher of the Gering Courier newspaper.
Places to Visit
- Scotts Bluff National Monument - About 3 miles west of Gering.
- Northfield Park Arboretum - A place with many different trees and plants.
- Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area - About 10 miles south, great for outdoor activities.
- Legacy of the Plains Museum - A museum about the history of the area.
- Scottsbluff, Nebraska - About 3 miles north, Gering's sister city across the river.
- Oregon Trail Park - A local park.
- Union Pacific Railroad 2-8-0 Steam Locomotive No. 423 - An old train engine on display.
- Five Rocks Amphitheater - An outdoor concert venue.
- Cedar Canyon - A scenic canyon.
- Carter Canyon - Another scenic canyon.
International Connections
Gering has a sister city relationship with Bamyan, Afghanistan.
See also
In Spanish: Gering (Nebraska) para niños
