History Established in 1854 and incorporated in 1856, Brownville was the largest town in the Nebraska Territory, with a population of 1,309 by 1880. Bordering slave-holding Missouri, the town became an important port on the Missouri River. Daniel Freeman, the first homesteader to file a claim under the Homestead Act of 1862, staked his claim at a New Year's Eve party in Brownville.
HisTory eStABlishEd In 1854 and iNcOrpoRated iN 1856, bRownViLle was tHe largeST town iN The NEbraskA terrITory, With a PoPuLation of 1,309 by 1880. borDERINg sLaVe-HOldiNg misSoUrI, THe ToWN bECame An IMportant port On the missOuri rIver. DaNiEl FrEemaN, thE first HOmesTeadeR To file a cLaiM UndER tHe hoMeStEad AcT oF 1862, StakEd hIS claim at a New year'S eve pARtY IN brownVIllE.