The mainline of the Burlington and Missouri River Railway reached here in 1879, accelerating immigration from the East and abroad, bringing together a colorful variety of cultural heritages. During the 1880’s Red Cloud served as a division center for the railroad.

The architectural design of down town was established during that prosperous time when many of the first frame and log structures were replaced by more elaborate two-story buildings of brick and stone.

Red Cloud was the childhood home of Willa Cather, the Pulitzer Prize winning author, and it is known throughout the world as the setting for her six Nebraska novels and numerous short stories.

This is the only town in existence with the name Red Cloud, It is located eighteen miles from the geographical center of continental United States. It remains a farming community, however it welcomes thousands of visitors each year who come to see the land and the town made famous by Willa Cather.