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Stromsburg, Nebraska
Official logo of Stromsburg, Nebraska
Nickname(s): 
Swede Capital of Nebraska
Location in the state of Nebraska, USA
Location in the state of Nebraska, USA
Country United States
State Nebraska
County Polk
Area
 • Total 1.03 sq mi (2.66 km2)
 • Land 1.02 sq mi (2.65 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
1,677 ft (511 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total 1,171
 • Estimate 
(2019)
1,139
 • Density 1,111.22/sq mi (429.19/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
68666
Area code(s) 402
FIPS code 31-47465
GNIS feature ID 0833862
U.S. Routes US 81.svg
Website www.stromsburgnebraska.com
Stromsburg town square Swedish building
Center of Stromsburg town square

Stromsburg is a city in Polk County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 1,171 at the 2010 census.

History

Stromsburg was settled early in Nebraska history. A group of Swedish settlers coming from the town of Ockelbo arrived in the 1860s after several years in Illinois. This group had a leader named Lewis Headstrom, who was a real estate agent. Seeing some similarities to their old Swedish homeland the settlers formed what would be called Stromsburg, named after a section of Ockelbo, Sweden. By the 1880s two brickyards were in operation in the town. Many buildings from ‘native’ brick still stand, including the Viking Center, now a community center that was originally The Opera House; the Cornerstone Bank; two businesses on the east side of the square; and several homes. Brick streets still surround the city square in Stromsburg. A brick Carnegie library was built in Stromsburg in 1918. The downtown area of Stromsburg has a town square in its center. This square forms a park, with lawns and mature trees, where festivals and events are held. In the center of the square is a two story Swedish style building made of brick with decorative toll painting and the phrase "Välkommen" (Swedish for "Welcome").

Stromsburg was given the title of the “Swede Capital of Nebraska” by Governor Frank B. Morrison in 1966 at the Swedish Festival. The Swedish festival is held in June each year and showcases Stromburg's Swedish heritage.

Stromsburg Public School was established in 1887. It operated until 2002, when the Stromsburg district consolidated with Benedict, Nebraska to form Cross County Community School.

Stromsburg Library
Stromsburg Library

Geography

Stromsburg is located at 41°6′56″N 97°35′37″W / 41.11556°N 97.59361°W / 41.11556; -97.59361 (41.115580, -97.593551).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.01 square miles (2.62 km2), all of it land.

Swedish Festival

Every summer, Stromsburg holds its weekend-long Swedish Festival, a celebration of the town's Swedish heritage. Traditional Swedish foods are prepared and sold in Grandma's Kitchen, and the Stromsburg Public Library hosts events that deal with genealogy or Swedish heritage. Craft shows and live Viking demonstrations are staged.

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop.
1900 1,154
1910 1,355 17.4%
1920 1,361 0.4%
1930 1,320 −3.0%
1940 1,127 −14.6%
1950 1,231 9.2%
1960 1,244 1.1%
1970 1,215 −2.3%
1980 1,290 6.2%
1990 1,241 −3.8%
2000 1,232 −0.7%
2010 1,171 −5.0%
2019 (est.) 1,139 −2.7%
U.S. Decennial Census

2010 census

At the 2010 census there were 1,171 people in 457 households, including 310 families, in the city. The population density was 1,159.4 inhabitants per square mile (447.6/km2). There were 533 housing units at an average density of 527.7 per square mile (203.7/km2). The racial makup of the city was 97.3% White, 0.4% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4%.

Of the 457 households 29.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.8% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.2% were non-families. 29.5% of households were one person and 16.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.93.

The median age was 46.4 years. 25% of residents were under the age of 18; 4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.7% were from 25 to 44; 23.3% were from 45 to 64; and 27.9% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.9% male and 52.1% female.

Notable people

  • Lynn Boden, professional football player
  • George Flippin MD, doctor and american football player
  • Idael Makeever, poet
  • Charles Henry Morrill, businessman; Morrill County, Nebraska was named after him
  • Leatherneck. Fictional G.I. Joe marine Leatherneck (G.I. Joe)
Stromsburg brick street and Valkommen sign
Stromsburg brick street and Valkommen sign

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Stromsburg (Nebraska) para niños

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