The county was named in honor of United States Judge Elmer S. Dundy, of the United States Circuit Court. Though termed a county, it has no organization as such, but is attached to Hitchcock county for revenue,

elective and judicial purposes. It is in fact but one large precinct of the latter named county, and has no

powers other than as a precinct organization.

The settlements in the county are few and the population small. The census of 1880 showed a population

of but thirty-seven, but this has increased to a considerable extent. Among the settlements is a cattle ranch

at the mouth of the Arickaree, owned by J. Higgler, who located there in 1872.

This was about the time that cattle were first brought into the Republican Valley to any extent. Before this

time, they were kept out through fear of the Indians, except by a few of the more venturesome cattle

owners.

There are two or three settlers on Rock Creek, and Richard Davenport has a stock ranch on Horse

Creek, but the principal settlement is at and surrounding Collinsville.

Early in 1882, the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad was completed through the county. This railroad extends from the Missouri River to Denver, Colo. Regular freight and accommodation trains were put on during March, 1882.

The North Fork of the Republican River flows across the southern portion of the county, at a distance

varying from three to ten miles from its southern boundary. The South Fork of the Republican enters the

county from the south and flows in a northeasterly direction, emptying into the main stream near the eastern boundary of the county. The Arickaree River enters the county from Colorado, and, after flowing a short

distance, enters the Republican.

Besides these streams, Rock, Horse, and several other small creeks enter the Republican from the north.

The valley of the Republican is broad and level, skirted with a narrow strip of steep bluffs, after which

comes the gently rolling upland prairies.

The winters are usually mild, with little snow. Shelter is never provided for stock, for, in the spring, after

one of these mild winters, they are in as good order as if put up and fed with hay all winter.

But occasionally, there is a winter that is severe, with a heavy snowfall. During such seasons, there is a

large percentage of loss, for, whenever a snow-storm does visit these Western prairies, it is terrible in

its effects. These storms usually last two or three days; a heavy wind blowing incessantly during this time,

the fine dry snow constantly blowing and whirling, renders it impossible for men to be out without losing

their way, and cattle keep moving before the wind to seek shelter, if possible, in the bluffs near the streams.

To this is added the fact that when the ground is covered with snow, it is impossible for them to secure feed,

and, of course, many die of hunger.

The winter of 1880-81 was specially a very severe one. Snow storms came every few days and the weather

was very cold. As a result, the loss of cattle was large. Several flocks of sheep were nearly destroyed.

But such a winter as this is unusual.

Source:  Andreas History of Nebraska - Dundy County