Brief History of Loup County
(Excerpts taken from article by Mr. Kevin Brown published in Loup County Centennial Book 1883-1983).
Loup County was organized in 1883. The first white men settled here sometime prior to 1873 and lived a few miles southeast of Taylor in the Sioux Creek-Kent area. The first county seat was situated at Kent but was wrestled away by Taylor shortly after in 1883.
The population continued to grow as the homesteaders arrived, particularly following the Kinkaid Act of 1904...by 1930, however, census figures had dropped significantly and have continued in that pattern. Two rivers (the North Loup and the Calamus) and two highways (U.S. 183 and State Hwy 91) are vital to the county. Both rivers are scenic at all times of the year. The name "calamus" is a translation of the Dakota Indian name, Sinke-ta-wot (food for the muskrat) which was their name for the sweet flag of calamus plant growing along the river banks. The name may also be found in the Bible.
A K-12 accredited, county-wide school operates in Taylor. Redistricting was completed in 1971 and went into effect in the fall of '72. Before that, Loup County had had up to 42 operating school districts.
The village square at Taylor is distinctive, accentuated by ancient, shady cottonwoods in the central park. Most of the year the town is rather quiet, but when Loup County Fair time rolls around in Mid-August, the county seat becomes a whirlwind of activity.
Loup County is totally agriculture oriented, both in farming and ranching. Fine cattle of many breeds can be found at any number of large and small ranches. Loup County's Centennial was impressively observed in 1983....Some of the friendliest Nebraskans to be found in the state call Loup County home.
For more information contact the Loup County Historical Society.
Brief History of Taylor
(Excerpts taken from article by Floy Fletcher published in Loup County Centennial Book 1883-1983)
Joseph Rusho is sometimes referred to as the father of Taylor. It was on his land that he and his wife Josephine had purchased from Melissa Murry in 1881, that the original Town of Taylor was surveyed and platted in October 1883. We are told that Joseph Rusho felt "Rusho" or "Rushoville" would not seem a suitable name for this community so he had had it named "Taylor", for a homesteader friend, Edward H. Taylor.
After the establishment of the County seat in Taylor, Rusho provided temporary space in his home for court house purposes; later the Witt's store was utilized. On June 5 1884, Mr. Rusho offered the County Block 10 in the town site and $1,000 to be applied on the construction of a Courthouse...this building was used almost continuously until 1958.
In 1884 high school subjects were offered by the Taylor school but this school was not accredited until 1922. In 1905 the Bank of Taylor was organized and the present brick building built in 1914, and remodeled several times since. In 1917 the hitching chains and posts were removed from around the Public Square and moved to the side streets so cars could be parked there.
March 1, 1954 Rodeo Telephone Membership corporation was given a franchise to install telephone lines and telephones in the Village of Taylor. In the fall of 1963 the Town's sewer system was installed.
We are fortunate to have fire and ambulance services with trained personnal here in town, along with Region 26 for rapid communication.
For more information contact the Loup County Historical Society.
Museum and Historical Society
 The Loup County Historical Society was formed in 1940. The society was responsible for the establishment of the Taylor Museum in 1943. The museum is contained in buildings that formerly housed the Taylor Clarion (newspaper) and later the town's public library. The Pioneer Log Cabin contains numerous artifacts. Each log of the cabin was donated by a Loup County pioneer family. The museum is open during Loup County Fair and by appointment. The Historical Society boasts over 145 members and is very active in the community. Please call society president Mr. Brown at 308-942-3403 or email kevbrown@esu10.org for more information.
Pavillion Hotel
 History: The Pavillion Hotel was built in 1887 by Heman and Mary Carter in anticipation of the railroad. The railroad never came to Taylor, but the Pavillion still stands as a reminder of the hopes and dreams of the little frontier town. The hotel was once known as the finest hostelry between Grand Island and Rapid City, South Dakota. In the late 1800's elegant meals were served on tables graced with real linen, silver, and crystal. The building has had 16 owners since it was built in 1887. Twelve of those ownerships took place before 1920. Loren and Marah Sandoz, the current owners, bought the building in January of 1996. Through the years the Pavillion has been remodeled several times and has had many different businesses in it. The old hotel has housed a newspaper office, a judge's office, a shoe store, a beauty salon, and a grocery store as well as being a hotel. The Pavillion was the social hub of the community. Taylor's hotel holds many legends and stories of happenings that took place within its walls. As the late Rose Schmidt wrote in 1987: "If old buildings could talk I am sure that the Pavillion would tell stories that would chill our blood and others that would make our heartstrings sing for joy for all the events that have taken place behind its walls during the past century." The Pavillion Hotel was entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
Future: The plans are to renovate the old hotel to its original beauty and function. On the first floor there will be an accessible bedroom, an office, a small gift shop, and a tea room/cafe. On the second floor there will be four spacious Victorian suites. On the third floor the old ballroom will be recreated for formal parties, banquets, meetings, and fine arts. Plans include an elevator to give full accessibility to the entire building.
Current Progress: The building has come a long way since it was purchased in 1996. The hotel now has a new roof, siding, windows, foundation, and insulation. Much work has been done to strengthen the floors and roof. The flooring on the third story is being put back along with wider stairs to the third floor that give better access to the ballroom. It has been a slow process that has started and stopped along with the finances available. If you would like more information about the Pavillion hotel please contact Marah or Loren Sandoz at 308-942-3148.
Directions to local Cemeteries
Gracie Cemetery
This cemetery is in Northeast Loup County and is on land that is part of the Gracie Creek Ranch (7 miles north of Hwy 96 on Gracie Creek Ave.) There are about a dozen interments.
Kent Cemetery
Kent Cemetery overlooks the North Loup river valley and from Hwy 91 is located off of Kent road. A sign "cemetery" marks the spot as you head west on 823 Road. Established in the 1870s.
Madison Square Cemetery
This cemetery is reached by heading west of Taylor on Hwy 91 for approx. 5 miles then heading west on Madison Square Rd for approx. 5 miles. It is on the south side of the road.
Moulton Cemetery
Located in western Loup County, this cemetery is 15 miles west of Taylor on Hwy 91. The cemetery turn-off is about 5 miles west of Almeria on the north side of the road marked by a sign. West End Road is just west of Moulton Cemetery.
Almeria Cemetery
After Heading west of Taylor on Hwy 91 for 8 miles turn west and go 11/4 miles west on Strohl Road. Turn north at the sign.
Taylor Cemetery
Taylor Cemetery is reached by heading west on Charles Street (in Taylor). Continue following this street as it turns into a gravel road that heads south of Taylor and ends at the cemetery after approx. one mile. This cemetery was established in 1882.
Long Valley Cemetery
Located in the yard of the old Long Valley Methodist Episopal Sod Church, with seven interments, this cemetery is accessible only via guide and 4-wheel drive pickup. Contact Loup County High School if interested. There are NO roads near this cemetery.
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