Bingham, Nebraska

Bingham is a small unincorporated community in southeastern Sheridan County, Nebraska, along Nebraska Highway 2 south-southeast of Rushville, the county seat. Like several small communities in this part of the Sandhills, its exact naming origin isn't fully settled -- theories point to a pioneer settler, a railroad official, or Bingham Lake in Minnesota.

The Bingham post office was established in 1888, placing the community's roots firmly in the same wave of Sandhills settlement that produced its neighbors Ellsworth, Lakeside, and Ashby along the same rail and highway corridor.

History

Bingham's post office was established in 1888. The origin of the name remains uncertain -- it may honor an early pioneer settler, a railroad official involved in laying out the line, or simply echo Bingham Lake, Minnesota, a naming pattern seen elsewhere among Sandhills rail-stop communities. A 2010 photograph of the community's First Street shows Bingham still maintained some local infrastructure into the 21st century.

Location & Access

County: Sheridan County
Region: Nebraska Sandhills
Setting: Along Nebraska Highway 2
Coordinates: approximately 42.021° N, 102.089° W
Elevation: 3,744 feet
Designation: Unincorporated community

Adjacent Counties

Sheridan County borders Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota (north), Cherry County (east), Grant County (southeast), Garden County (south), Morrill County (southwest), Dawes County (west), and Box Butte County (west).

Nearby Towns

Ashby (about 8 miles east) · Ellsworth (about 10 miles west-northwest) · Hyannis (about 17 miles east) · Lakeside (about 17 miles west) · Rushville (Sheridan County's seat, to the north)

Points of Interest

• Nebraska Highway 2: The scenic Sandhills highway running through Bingham links it to the string of small rail-era communities across southern Sheridan County.
• Historic First Street: Bingham's small commercial core reflects its origins as an 1888 rail and post-office stop.

Events

Community events for Bingham are being added to the directory. Browse the Sheridan County directory for current listings.

Education & Health

Schools: Students in the Bingham area attend school in Hyannis or Rushville.
Health: Nearest hospital and clinic services are in Alliance and Rushville.