About Gering

Gering is the county seat of Scotts Bluff County, in the Nebraska panhandle. The North Platte River separates it from Scottsbluff; together the two cities form one of the state's larger urban areas. The population was 8,564 at the 2020 census, making Gering the 17th most populous city in Nebraska. The city covers about 4.30 square miles. Gering Public Schools serves the community, and the Gering Courier has published here since the town's founding.

History

Settlement began in 1886, and the town was officially founded on 7 March 1887. It is named for Martin Gering, a pioneer merchant who opened the first dry goods store with Oscar Gardner. The Union Pacific platted the townsite in 1887 but laid no track until 1910. When Scotts Bluff County was separated from Cheyenne County in November 1888, Gering became the county seat.

Trails and landmarks

Scotts Bluff National Monument rises west of the city. More than 250,000 emigrants passed the bluff between 1843 and 1869, and it was the second most referenced landmark in pioneer journals; the Oregon, California, Mormon and Pony Express trails all used it for navigation. Legacy of the Plains Museum is in Gering, and the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area lies about ten miles south. Oregon Trail Days, held the second week of July since 1922, is described as the longest continuously running celebration in Nebraska.

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