North Platte (pop. 23,390) is the center of a farming and cattle-raising region in western Nebraska. North Platte plays an important role in the United States railroad network. Most of the transcontinental traffic on the Union Pacific Railroad passes through the city’s Bailey Yard, a computer-controlled facility for sorting freight cars into trains. In addition to railroading, major economic activities in the city include retail trade, tourism, and the processing of agricultural products.
The famous frontiersman Buffalo Bill built a home near North Platte in 1886. The home is now the site of the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park. The city also hosts a statewide celebration, Nebraskaland Days, in June each year. The celebration includes a rodeo.
The city was first settled in 1866. It began as a construction camp for workers who were building the Union Pacific Railroad.
North Platte is the seat of Lincoln County. The city has a mayor-council form of government.
See also Buffalo Bill .
