History in Sidney
As the nation’s population expanded west to fulfill their dreams and ambitions, farmers and ranchers were flung far and wide, awash in an ocean of grass that made up the great prairie. Gradually people began to form communities, centers of commerce at various places along the Oregon and California Trails. For a brief period, the Pony Express pounded across the plains, taking news from east to the frontier and back again. The news that traveled quickest was word that gold had been found, first in California and then in the Black Hills, in 1874.
Sidney was strategically located on the Union Pacific Railroad and soon filled with outfitters eager to sell supplies. Thousands of miners, adventurers and more than a few scoundrels poured through Sidney, where they were outfitted for the trip to find their fortune or lose it to the misfortune of gambling and makeshift saloons that sprang up to quench their thirst. Laden with supplies and a desire to strike it rich, they followed the shortest, most direct route north to the gold fields, which became known as the Sidney-Deadwood Trail. During the height of the gold rush, as many as 2,000 gold seekers, adventurers and desperadoes passed through frontier Sidney on any given day.
Many sampled the wares offered on “Front Street,” which ran along the street adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad. It was lined with over 80 saloons, numerous gambling houses, brothels and what was then considered the “World’s First 24-Hour Theatre.” This locale was the site of many old west shootouts and colorful western lore that earned it the title of “The Toughest Town on the Tracks.” Much of this history has been recaptured in a 688-page book titled Lynchings, Legends and Lawlessness – the story of historical Sidney, Nebraska.
Between 1867-1888 Sidney was recognized as the frontier territorial capitol for all of Nebraska’s High Plains, making it the oldest settlement in all of western Nebraska. The town was laid out in 1867 by the Union Pacific Railroad and named for Sidney Dillon, who was later to become the president of Union Pacific.
As the railroad pushed west, railroad workers experienced frequent skirmishes with Native Americans, prompting the army to establish a military outpost near the town site during the summer of that same year. Sidney Barracks later became Fort Sidney and on October 8, 1884, the city of Sidney was officially incorporated as a municipality, as the old west lawless mentality gave in to progress.
World War II brought more military activities and prosperity to the area. Sidney was selected as the site for a massive Army installation to store and supply ammunition and ordinance for the war effort, and in 1942 the Sioux Army Depot ushered in another exciting boomtown atmosphere. The depot covered an entire township, requiring hundreds of construction workers and subsequent munitions workers.
Oil and natural gas were discovered near Sidney in 1949. The discovery, just 10 miles northeast of Sidney, led to the development of the Denver-Julesburg Basin, a major reservoir. Exploration and production continues today, as Sidney continues to serve as the state headquarters for the oil and gas commission.
The Depot closed in 1967 and oil started to deplete in the 1970s. The agriculture crisis of the 1980s followed and there were several vacant buildings downtown as retailers closed their doors due to the sagging economy. The 1990s again saw a resurgence of this area and $10 million in additional public improvements were invested. Sidney became the first Nebraska community ever to pass 3 economic development tax issues in 3 consecutive decades with public votes on 1988, 1997, and 2007.
New sidewalks, resurfacing of its main street, new curb and gutter, decorative turn of the century lights and decorative waste containers gave the town a bright new face.
Decorative planters and customer benches have been added for the leisure and enjoyment of its patrons. A wide variety of shopping, delicious meals, sweet treats, coffee shops, bookstores and the historic Fox Theatre warmly welcome newcomers. A Sidney Main Street program directed at revitalizing Sidney’s historic corridor was adopted in 2003 and an ambitious historic restoration program began.
A walking tour of Sidney’s National Register historic downtown district is available through the Cheyenne County Chamber office. It describes the historic buildings and provides a glimpse into the past when the west was truly wild, and much of its lore originated in the panhandle of Nebraska.
Sidney has added approximately $18 million in new public infrastructure including a new water well field that will serve the community for generations to come, a new regional landfill and upgrades to its wastewater and electrical systems.
Truly the stage has been set for Sidney to continue its successful journey through time as it enters its third century of existence.
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