In this time of being politically correct we decided since we had visited Liberal, KS we should also visit Republican City, NE. Once again, we found the name had nothing to do with politics. It had it beginnings with the French traders, which we found very interesting being of French heritage.
We were camped at Harlon County Lake in Alma, NE. This is a Corps of Engineers Park with the office in Republican City, NE. Realizing this may be our only time to visit
Liberal and Republican cities we had to venture to Republican City.
The original Republican City is now located in Harlon County Lake and foundations of houses and businesses are viewable at low water. When French traders came to NE, they referred to the native government as a republic. When the post office was established in 1872, the town was officially named Republican City. After a major flood in 1935 the Corps of Engineers decided to build a flood control structure to protect the area. A decision to build the dam in its present location would result in Republican City being flooded. The decision was made and the city, population was approximately 530, was moved between 1951 and 1952. The move consisted of three houses being loaded on a truck and then unloaded on new foundations in the new city. The Methodist Church which was built in 1931 had to be moved in three pieces. When the dam was dedicated in June 1952, more than half the inhabitants of Republican City had moved away. Today the population of Republican City is approximately 200.
Today there is not much to Republican City although it is fun to say we have been to both the Liberal and Republican Cities.
