Imperial, Nebraska

Imperial is a city in Chase County, Nebraska, and serves as the county seat. It was founded in early 1885, with a post office established on December 14, 1885, and had a population of 2,068 at the 2020 census. The town’s name is generally attributed to founder Thomas Mercier, though sources differ on whether it referenced his hometown in Canada or the British imperial government.

History

According to local history, Mercier homesteaded the site after cowboys suggested he build in the broad valley, reportedly laying out the streets "with a hatchet, level, and stakes." Mercier and fellow homesteader Melville J. Goodrich platted the town jointly — with 12th Street marking the boundary between their claims — and gave away lots to anyone willing to put up a building, a classic townsite-boosting tactic of the era. Imperial became the Chase County seat in 1886 after three separate elections, and its first courthouse was built in 1889 by the Lincoln Land Company on the site of the present courthouse. The town struggled economically for seven years without rail access, with residents forced to freight goods 40 miles from Benkelman, until the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad finally reached Imperial on August 15, 1892 — a milestone that shifted the business district toward the new "Railroad Addition." Growth continued into the 20th century with brick buildings and banks arriving by 1910, and Main Street was paved with WPA labor during the 1930s; the city’s population peaked at 1,941 in 1980. Imperial is also the birthplace of Warren Prall Watters, founding archbishop of the Free Church of Antioch.

Location & Geography

Imperial sits in central Chase County and serves as its governmental and commercial center.

Today

As the Chase County seat, Imperial anchors local government and services for the surrounding area. Visitors and residents can browse local businesses and services through the categories below or the full Chase County directory.

Imperial, Nebraska

City in Chase County, and the county seat. Population 2,068 (2020). Founded 1885 by Thomas Mercier; became county seat in 1886. Reached by rail in 1892 after seven years of freighting goods 40 miles by wagon.

Designation: City, County Seat

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