McCook history

Foundation and First Mentions

The city of McCook was founded in 1882. Its emergence is inextricably linked to the expansion of the transport network in the Midwest of the USA. The settlement received its name in honour of Alexander McDowell McCook, a famous American general of the 19th century. The official establishment of the settlement happened rapidly, as it was initially planned as an important hub of the transport system.

Key Development Factors

The development of the city was determined by a combination of geographical and economic factors:

• Railway: A key event was the decision by the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad company to make this location a division point between the Missouri River and Denver. This guaranteed a constant flow of jobs and investment.
• Geography: Its location in the Republican River valley provided access to water resources, which was critical in the conditions of the Nebraska climate.
• Centre Status: Soon after its foundation, the city became the administrative centre of Red Willow County, which secured its political significance in the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first decades, the city's economy depended entirely on servicing railway trains and tracks. In parallel, McCook developed as a trading centre for farmers of the surrounding lands. The cultural appearance formed quickly: the first school, churches, and public buildings were built in the shortest possible time for the families of railway workers and settlers, turning the construction camp into a full-fledged city.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1882: The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad company establishes a station, which receives the name McCook in honour of General Alexander McCook.
• 1896: The city officially becomes the administrative centre of Red Willow County, winning this right from neighbouring Indianola.
• 1902: Famous politician George Norris, a future senator and author of significant reforms in the USA, moves to the city.
• 1926: McCook Community College is founded, becoming the first two-year college in the state of Nebraska.
• 1930: The grand opening of the Fox Theatre takes place, becoming the main architectural and cultural attraction of the city.
• 1935: The Republican River valley experiences a devastating flood, which led to significant changes in urban infrastructure.
• 1943: During World War II, the McCook Army Airfield opens for training heavy bomber crews.
• 1949: An active phase of dam and reservoir construction begins in the region to prevent future floods and irrigate lands.
• 1967: The home of Senator George Norris receives National Historic Landmark status, attracting tourist attention to the city's history.
• 1996: The city's railway station, built in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
• 2012: Reconstruction and opening of the new regional airport terminal is completed, improving transport accessibility for travellers.

Stages of City Transformation

The history of the city of McCook is a journey from a temporary railway workers' camp to a key economic centre of southwest Nebraska. Each of the events listed below radically changed the settlement's development vector, shaping its modern appearance in the USA.

• Railway Foundation (1882). Assigning the status of a Burlington railway division point became the main economic driver. This decision guaranteed the city round-the-clock activity, the creation of repair depots, and a constant influx of population, turning it into the logistical heart of the region.
• Educational Leadership (1926). The opening of McCook Community College, the first two-year college in the state, had immense social significance. The city became a talent forge for surrounding territories, which significantly raised the general cultural and educational level of the local community.
• Taming the River and Replanning (after 1935). A devastating flood forced a review of urban planning policy. The implementation of large-scale federal projects to build dams and reservoirs not only secured residential quarters but also created a base for stable irrigated agriculture and water tourism.
• Development of Aviation Infrastructure (1943). The construction of a military airfield during World War II gave a powerful impulse to the economy. The post-war conversion of the facility into a civil airport provided the city with rapid connections to large metropolises, which is critical for business in remote areas.
• Oil Boom (1950s). The discovery of oil in Red Willow County led to economic diversification. The emergence of the oil extraction industry attracted new investments and technologies, reducing the region's dependence solely on agriculture and transport.
• Architectural and Cultural Revival (late 20th century). The restoration of iconic objects, such as the Fox Theatre and the Senator Norris House, marked a transition to the development of cultural tourism. The city began to monetise its rich history, turning ancient buildings into points of attraction for travellers.

Architectural Appearance and Layout

The urban structure of the city of McCook was formed under the strong influence of the railway industry. The historic centre has a clear rectangular layout (grid plan), characteristic of Midwest settlements of the late 19th century. Wide streets, such as Norris Avenue, were designed perpendicular to the railway tracks, creating convenient logistics for trade and transport flows.

Main Styles and Iconic Buildings

The architectural landscape of the city demonstrates an evolution from the utilitarian structures of early settlers to the exquisite buildings of the economic boom period. Several key directions can be highlighted in the appearance of this city in the USA:

• Prairie School: The main architectural gem is the Harvey P. Sutton House. Built in 1905–1908, it remains the only residential house in the state designed by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright. The building is distinguished by a horizontal composition, flat roofs with wide overhangs, and ribbon glazing.
• Spanish Colonial Revival: The Burlington Depot railway station building (1926) is executed in this style. It is characterised by light plastered walls, a red tiled roof, and graceful arched openings, contrasting with the strict brick development of the centre.
• Art Deco: A bright representative of the style of the 1930s is the Fox Theatre. The building's façade is decorated with geometric elements and neon signs, reflecting the aesthetics of the Jazz Age and the Golden Age of cinema.

Commercial Architecture

The business centre of the city, often called the "cobbled streets" district, has preserved the dense development of the early 20th century. Two- and three-storey red brick buildings with elements of eclecticism and classicism predominate here. Characteristic features are decorative cornices, pilasters, and large display windows, forming a coherent historical ensemble.

Famous Residents and Historical Figures

The city of McCook is often called the "political capital" of Nebraska due to the surprisingly large number of statesmen whose lives were connected with this place. People who influenced the development of not only the state but the entire USA lived and worked here.

• George William Norris (1861–1944)
  US Senator, reformer.
  The most famous resident of the city. Norris represented the state in Congress for over 40 years. He was the author of the "New Deal" in agriculture, the initiator of the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and the rural electrification programme, which brought light to farmers' homes across the country. His house in the city is now a National Historic Landmark.
• Harry D. Strunk (1892–1960)
  Publisher, public figure.
  Founder of the McCook Daily Gazette. Strunk went down in history as the main ideologue and lobbyist for the construction of a system of dams and reservoirs in the Republican River basin. His efforts helped defeat devastating floods and provide the region with water for irrigation. One of the local lakes is named in his honour.
• Ben Nelson (born 1941)
  Governor of Nebraska, US Senator.
  A native of the city who began his path here. Nelson served as governor of the state for two consecutive terms (1991–1999), and then represented Nebraska in the US Senate, playing a key role in shaping a moderate political agenda.
• Ralph G. Brooks (1898–1960)
  Educator, 29th Governor of Nebraska.
  Before being elected governor, Brooks served as president of McCook College for many years. He made an invaluable contribution to the development of education in the region, turning the local college into a prestigious educational institution.
• Frank B. Morrison (1905–2004)
  Lawyer, 31st Governor of Nebraska.
  He began his legal and political career in Red Willow County. Morrison was known for his oratorical skills and active defence of the interests of rural residents of the Midwest.
• Alexander McDowell McCook (1831–1903)
  Major General of the Union Army.
  A representative of the famous "Fighting McCooks" military dynasty. Although the general himself never lived in these parts, the city was named in his honour at its foundation in 1882, immortalising his services to the country during the Civil War.
• John R. McCarl (1879–1940)
  First Comptroller General of the United States.
  A lawyer who practised in the city in the early 20th century. McCarl became the first person to head the US General Accounting Office (GAO), creating standards of state audit and financial transparency that are still in effect today.