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Hastings, NE

Frequently asked questions

Hastings, NE

Hastings is a city and the county seat of Adams County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 25,152 at the 2020 census, making it the 8th most populous city in Nebraska. Edwin Perkins invented Kool-Aid in Hastings in 1927; the town celebrates the invention with the Kool-Aid Days festival every August. During World War II, Hastings operated the largest Naval Ammunition Depot in the United States, and for this reason was awarded the distinction of American World War II Heritage City by the U.S. National Parks Service In 2023.

Hastings was founded in 1872 at the intersection of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad and the St. Joseph and Denver City Railroad. It was named for Colonel D. T. Hastings of the St. Joseph and Grand Island Railroad, who was instrumental in building the railroad through Adams County. The area was previously open plain: the Donner party passed through on its way to California in 1846 and a pioneer cemetery marker in Hastings bears an inscription taken from Tamsen Donner's journal: "The country between the Blue and the Platte is beautiful beyond compare. Never have I seen so varied a country so suitable to cultivation." In the 1870s, railroads lured European immigrants to the new state of Nebraska with advertisements. Hastings' first settlers were English, from Liverpool, and were quickly joined by other English, Irish, Germans, Danes, and Germans from Russia.

Between 1872 and 1880, when the population had grown to 2,800, Hastings was a boomtown. Settlers first built sod houses, dugouts, and shanties, then houses and stores. The city was incorporated in April 1874, and in September 1878, after a five-year Great County Seat War, the county seat was transferred to Hastings from Juniata. However, a fire in 1879 destroyed 33 buildings downtown. The city was rebuilt between 1880 and 1890 in fireproof materials and in a more planned fashion, with characteristically ornate Victorian buildings, many designed by Charles C. Rittenhouse, the first practicing architect in Adams County and also mayor for ten years. Thanks to the railroads, the city enjoyed great prosperity during the Gilded Age. The population grew to 13,500. This period of expansion ended with the drought and agricultural depression of the 1890s; the town's population fell to 7,000 and would not reach 15,000 until 1930. African Americans have lived in Hastings since the 1860s. In 1876, Horace G. Newsom started the first Black-owned newspaper in Nebraska.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.66 square miles (35.38 km²), of which 13.48 square miles (34.91 km²) is land and 0.18 square miles (0.47 km²) is water.

Health and wellness are paramount in Hastings, with numerous resources available to support residents' well-being. Mary Lanning Healthcare offers various medical services, including primary care, specialty care, and wellness programs. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Hastings Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Fitness Escape, Nourish Fitness and Training and Beauty and the Beast Fitness Center. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Hastings, such as the Lake Hastings Park Loop and Brickyard Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Hastings, NE are Hastings Museum, Lochland Country Club, Hastings Community Theatre, and Children's Museum of Central Nebraska.

Population: 25,152 (2024). ZIP codes: 68901-68902. Area code: 402. Elevation: 1,860 feet (570 m). Area: 15.05 sq mi (38.97 km²).

FAQs

What is the crime rate in Hastings, NE?

The crime rate in Hastings is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 27 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Hastings is 1 in 37. Based on FBI crime data, Hastings is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Nebraska, Hastings has a crime rate that is higher than 96% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Is Hastings, NE a good place to live?

Hastings is in Adams County. Living in Hastings offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many young professionals live in Hastings and residents tend to be conservative.

What is Hastings, NE famous for?

As the official birthplace of Kool-Aid, Hastings maintains a youthful attitude, while respecting and preserving its historic past. A world-class softball facility, three beautiful golf courses (one which is PGA-certified), and motor sport speedway fill the need for competition and speed. Music lovers will appreciate the Hastings Symphony, greater Nebraska's premiere symphony orchestra; the Listening Room at the Lark, a nationally-known venue showcasing both local talent and the country's best musicians and songwriters; and rich, cultural offerings available at Hastings College and Central Community College.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Hastings

Mary Lanning Healthcare 

Hastings Parks and Recreation Department

Fitness Escape

Nourish Fitness and Training 

Beauty and the Beast Fitness Center

Lake Hastings Park Loop 

Brickyard Park

Hastings Museum

Lochland Country Club

Hastings Community Theatre

Children's Museum of Central Nebraska

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

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