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Ragan, Nebraska
Ragan, in Harlan County, was established in 1886 on a homestead owned by Francis Johnson after word arrived that the St. Joseph & Grand Island Railroad would pass through. The Blue Valley Land Company purchased the land and transferred it to Cross & Johnson, who surveyed and developed the town's lots; eleven businesses had opened within the first year. Ragan was incorporated as a village in 1887. The town's name honors a railroad company attorney remembered only as "lawyer Ragan" — his full identity is not confirmed in any source.
Ragan's business district grew to roughly 20 establishments by the early 1930s, before the Great Depression and 1930s drought brought sharp decline, including the closure of the local bank in 1932. Bell Telephone Company extended service to Ragan by 1900. As of the 2020 Census, Ragan's population is 22, making it the smallest of Harlan County's incorporated municipalities.
Ragan, Nebraska (68969)
Harlan County village established 1886 ahead of the St. Joseph & Grand Island Railroad, incorporated 1887. Named for a railroad company attorney remembered only as "lawyer Ragan." Smallest incorporated municipality in the county. Population 22 (2020).
ZIP: 68969 | Pop: 22 (2020)
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Get directions: search "Ragan Nebraska" in Waze or Google Maps
Road Conditions: Nebraska 511 — 511.nebraska.gov
Harlan County Cameras: View Harlan County cameras