"The first pioneers in Wheeler County settled along the Cedar River in the southwest corner of the county. After Fort Hartsuff was built in 1874 and the problems with Indians lessened, homesteaders quickly filled the remaining open space. With hard work, a family on a quarter section of land, with some livestock and a flock of chickens, could make a good living."--- from Nebraska Our Towns--Ericson edited by Jane Graff.
The county was formed in 1877 and organized in 1881. A number of villages came and went: Buffalo, pop 12 in 1890, Cedar City, Bliss, Deloit, Harrington, Newboro, Pibel, Sheridan, and Walker. Bartlett, the county seat, Cumminsville and Ericson are the only villages remaining. The highest population total according to the census was 2,531 in 1920. The current population is estimated at 783. This county needs a new coordinator. If you would like to volunteer, please use the links to email the State Coordinator and Asst State Coordinator on the left side.