McCool Junction, Nebraska facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
McCool Junction, Nebraska
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Village
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Downtown McCool Junction: M Street,
September 2010 |
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| Motto(s):
"The Magic City On the Blue"
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Location of McCool Junction, Nebraska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Nebraska |
| County | York |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.49 sq mi (1.26 km2) |
| • Land | 0.48 sq mi (1.25 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.01 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,578 ft (481 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 453 |
| • Density | 937.89/sq mi (361.78/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
68401
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| Area code(s) | 402 |
| FIPS code | 31-29960 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2399290 |
McCool Junction is a small village located in York County, Nebraska, in the United States. In 2020, about 453 people lived there. It's a quiet place with a rich history and a strong community spirit.
Contents
History of McCool Junction
McCool Junction started as a town called McCool. It was officially planned and mapped out in 1886. This happened when the railroad tracks were built to reach that spot. The town got its name from Daniel McCool, who was an important person in the railroad company. By 1888, the town became a "junction" because two different railroad lines met there.
Geography of McCool Junction
McCool Junction is a small village in terms of size. According to official measurements, the village covers an area of about 1.26 square kilometers (0.49 square miles). Almost all of this area is land.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1890 | 204 | — | |
| 1900 | 276 | 35.3% | |
| 1910 | 369 | 33.7% | |
| 1920 | 338 | −8.4% | |
| 1930 | 356 | 5.3% | |
| 1940 | 272 | −23.6% | |
| 1950 | 297 | 9.2% | |
| 1960 | 246 | −17.2% | |
| 1970 | 289 | 17.5% | |
| 1980 | 404 | 39.8% | |
| 1990 | 372 | −7.9% | |
| 2000 | 385 | 3.5% | |
| 2010 | 409 | 6.2% | |
| 2020 | 453 | 10.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2010, there were 409 people living in McCool Junction. Most residents were White, with smaller numbers of other racial backgrounds. About 2.9% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino. The village has a mix of families and individuals. Many households include children under 18. The average age of people living in McCool Junction was around 38.6 years old.
Education in McCool Junction
The local school district for the area is called McCool Junction Public Schools. The main school building was built in 1916. This happened after the old school building was destroyed by a fire. Over the years, the school has grown a lot. They added an elementary wing, two gyms, and a music room. More classrooms were also built in nearby areas, known as North and East Campus.
School Sports and Achievements
Students at McCool Junction High School can play many different sports. These include cross country, volleyball, football, basketball, bowling, and track and field. The school's teams have won several state championships. They have won seven state titles in total. These include boys' basketball (1985), volleyball (1986, 1999), girls' basketball (2000), boys' track and field (2009), girls' cross country (2020), and football (2020).
Fun Things to Do and Events
McCool Junction has some exciting events and activities for its residents.
Mustang Roundup Celebration
Every summer, the village hosts its annual Mustang Roundup Celebration. This event is a big community gathering. It usually includes a fun parade and a barbecue where everyone can enjoy food together.
Evening with the Stars
The McCool Community Improvement Foundation (MCIF) organizes a special event called "Evening with the Stars." This event helps raise money for the town's school. It features a dinner and both a silent and a live auction. Local people and businesses donate items for the auction. In 2010, this event raised over $50,000 to help the school.
Outdoor Activities
Many people in McCool Junction enjoy outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. Hunters often look for animals like white-tailed deer, pheasants, quail, and raccoons. For fishing, catfish are a popular catch in the local waters. Other types of game animals and fish can also be found in the area.
Junction Motor Speedway
McCool Junction is also home to Junction Motor Speedway. This is a 3/8-mile dirt oval track where car races are held. Racing events take place from late March all the way through October.
