General Info
Originally home to Indians and fur traders, Grand Island was settled in the 1850s. In 1857 the Chubb Brothers and Barrows Town Company arrived to the area and founded a German settlement in hopes of establishing the national capital. The fertile soil of the Platte Valley attracted pioneers and the community began to develop. In 1866 streets were platted and railroad construction began. Grand Island continued to grow and by 1884 three rail lines transported people and goods regularly, deeming the community “the hub of the wheel.” Schools, churches and businesses were established to meet the growing needs of its residents and local government was organized, with John Wallichs serving as the first mayor. Grand Island was selected as the county seat for Hall County and the first courthouse was built in 1873. By 1884 businesses included hotels, breweries, manufacturing centers and specialty shops. Agricultural products included sugar beets, flour and livestock and commerce continued to diversify as transportation improved. Although Grand Island was nearly destroyed by a flood in 1967 and tornadoes in 1980, residents rebuilt resiliently and the area has now grown to cover over 28 square miles. Today Grand Island is home to approximately 46,861 residents.
