Osceola is the county seat of county in rural Nebraska.
History: Osceola was founded in 1870, moved to its present site the next year and became the county seat. Incorporation as a town was affected August 26, 1881, with the Hon. John H. Mickey as first town treasurer. He went on to become Nebraska's Governor 1902-1907. Two other Osceolans became governor; Albinus Nance 1878-1883; and Ashton C. Shallenberger 1909-1911. The community was named after Osceola, Iowa, which in turn is named after the great Seminole Indian Chief.
Population: 1990 Census-879.
Education: 150 students attend Jeffrey Elementary K-6, and 135 attend the Jr.-Sr. High School. The city also maintains a well stocked library.
Churches: United Methodist, St. Paul's Lutheran and St. Vincent's Catholic.
Agriculture: Farmers raise livestock, poultry, dairy cattle, small grains, corn and forage.
Industrial Trade: 40 retail and service establishments offering a variety of goods and services.
Medical Facilities: Annie Jeffrey Memorial County Hospital, fully accredited, serves all of Polk County. Two medical doctors, a dentist, two veterinarians, registered nurses and aides provide a range of medical care for the area. In addition, the area is served by the Good Samaritan Center which can provide homes for 70-80 elderly men and women.
Museum: The Polk County Historical Society has established a museum in the former Governor Mickey home which was a gift to the Society.
Recreation: Osceola has a bowling alley and municipal swimming pool, city park with tennis courts, sand volleyball, playground equipment, a new arboretum, and covered picnic area. There are several baseball fields, and a nine hole golf course with clubhouse.
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