“We Are Nebraska Counties” is NACO’s contribution to the “We Are Counties” campaign led by the National Association of Counties. Telling the county story lets us showcase the people and places that make Nebraska unique while simultaneously highlighting the important role that county governments play nationwide. 

Here’s Lancaster County’s story: 

We are Lancaster County, home to Nebraska's state capital, a world-class research university, and the largest county fair in the state. We also hold more farms than any other county in Nebraska.

That last fact comes as a surprise to many people. Lancaster County is well known for its flourishing, urban environment, but it is also farmland, where fields stretch from city limits to county lines and 4-H kids show livestock just miles from the capital. Two worlds that, here, are simply one.

Lancaster County was founded in 1859 with 150 residents. Today, over 322,000 people call it home, from longtime family farmers to first-generation immigrants, university students to retirees, rural neighbors who have known each other for generations to new residents still finding their footing. Our County continues to grow as people keep coming, and through it all, our community holds together.

Lancaster County is a place where people look out for each other across county roads and city blocks alike. Where community brings neighbors to each other's doorsteps, and a refugee family finds a welcoming school with a community garden. Here, people from different backgrounds and all walks of life share a common goal and sense of community.

Many things change as we grow, but our character does not. We continue to build a place that works hard and shows up for each other. We gather as neighbors to visit pumpkin patches and apple orchards. We hit the trails and the farmers' markets when the warm weather comes. And on fall Saturdays, we spend time watching college football together.

Looking to tell your county story? Fill out the “We Are Nebraska Counties” form or email Lauren.Franken@NebraskaCounties.org.