Welcome to Cortland

Cortland, Nebraska is a small home-town community located mid-way between Lincoln & Beatrice on Highway 77 in Gage County. It was founded in 1883 and with the completion of the railroad line from Lincoln to Beatrice, it boomed to its peak population of 600 residents in one season. The surrounding countryside had been settled for many years by farmers which also gave Cortland splendid business from the start.

The community presently has a population of 482. There are over 40 businesses, a volunteer fire department and rescue unit, post office, a museum, churches, daycares, housing developments, and several organizations. There is also a community center, park, and ball park, as well as the Homestead Trail, which runs directly through town.

There are many great activities hosted in town throughout the year, including: Cortland Fest, the Easter Egg hunt, Santa Claus, Spookfest, and Garage Sales. These events are sponsored by the Cortland Improvement Association. Please take a moment to browse through our new site. Thanks for visiting!

Upcoming Events:

Not Your Everyday Calendar

Courtesy of the Cortland Improvement Association, print this calendar for your personal use and find more things to celebrate throughout the year!

Community Garage Sales

Cortland will be having their annual community garage sales on Friday, June 8 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 9 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Watch for upcoming registration flyers at your door or at the Post Office sometime around mid-May.

Summer Playground Program

Cortland's program will start on June 10 and continue through July 27, 2012 under the direction of Jeanette Heusinkvelt. The program will be closed during the week of July 4th. Kids who have finished kindergarten through the 5th grade are invited to sign up for this program which will be on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Community Center and Park. There is no fee to attend, but donations are welcome. Registration forms are available by the bulletin board in the Cortland Post Office.

Flag Retirement Ceremony

The Cortland American Legion Post will host the flag retirement ceremony this year on Thursday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cortland Community Center. Bring us your tired, faded and ripped flags to be disposed of with honor. Collection of flags will be on the prior Sunday, June 10 from Noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Community Center.

Cortland Night at the Saltdogs

The Village of Cortland will be featured at the Lincoln Saltdogs game on Friday, June 15. Anyone who enjoys watching baseball or those who want to show support of our community are welcome to attend. Tickets are available from any CIA Member for $9.00 each or you may contact us from this website. Our American Legion will present the colors, one of our residents will sing the National Anthem, one resident will throw out the first pitch, and a mini manager from the community saying "Play Ball." There will also be a radio interview with one of our residents, community promotions, a community visit from "Homer" the Haymarket Hound Dog, and a video clip highlighting our community plus much more. Come and enjoy a night of baseball and a community get-together!

Cortland Fest

Howdy, Partners! The "Wild Wild West" will be coming to Cortland on Saturday, June 23. Come on out all you cowpokes and little buckaroos, outlaws and lawmen, prospectors and storekeepers, fancy ladies and lady wranglers, gamblers and undertakers, Indian chiefs, squaws and young braves. To name a few events: you'll see western kids activites, western entertainment, a photo contest, a coloring contest for kids, an antique tractor show, a health fair and much more. There will be plenty of good food and drinks. We look forward to exciting parade entries and, of course, the day always ends with a spectacular fireworks show. Let's all join in and help make this a wild west day of celebration!

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