Falls City, city in and county seat of Richardson County, Nebraska, United States
Falls City is a small city in southeastern Nebraska situated on the north side of the Big Nemaha River and spanning a little over three square miles. Old brick buildings line Stone Street while gently rolling hills and the nearby river shape the landscape throughout town.
The city was founded in 1857 by abolitionists who created a community as a safe place for people escaping slavery. The name comes from a rock formation in the river called the Falls of Nemaha where water once flowed over rocks, giving the city its name.
The name Falls City comes from a natural rock formation in the Big Nemaha River called the Falls of Nemaha that once gave the city its identity. The town was founded by abolitionists who built a community as a refuge, and this founding spirit still shapes how residents see themselves today.
The city is easily reached via Highways 73 and 159, making it simple for visitors to reach nearby towns and explore the surrounding area. Walking paths and parks are scattered throughout town alongside small shops and local restaurants, making exploration on foot straightforward and comfortable.
The city played a role in the Underground Railroad, the secret network that helped enslaved people escape, with some homes and landmarks from that period still remembered today. Additionally, Falls City was the site where Brandon Teena, a young man, faced violence in 1993, which drew national attention and sparked conversations about safety and acceptance in small communities.
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