Stromsburg was settled early in Nebraska history. A group of Swedish settlers from the town of Ockelbo arrived in the 1860s after several years in Illinois. This group was led by Lewis Headstrom, who was a real estate agent. Seeing some similarities to their old Swedish homeland the settlers formed what would be called Stromsburg, named after a section of Ockelbo, Sweden.[5] By the 1880s, two brickyards were in operation in the town. Many buildings constructed of ‘native’ brick still stand, including the Viking Center, now a community center that was originally The Opera House; the Cornerstone Bank; two businesses on the east side of the square; and several homes. Brick streets still surround the city square in Stromsburg. A brick Carnegie library was built in Stromsburg in 1918. The downtown area of Stromsburg has a town square in its center. This square forms a park, with lawns and mature trees, where festivals and events are held. In the center of the square is a two-story Swedish style building made of brick with decorative toll painting and the phrase "Välkommen" (Swedish for "Welcome").
Stromsburg was given the title of the “Swede Capital of Nebraska” by Governor Frank B. Morrison in 1966 at the Swedish Festival. The Swedish festival is held in June each year and showcases Stromburg's Swedish heritage.
Every summer, Stromsburg holds its weekend-long Swedish Festival, a celebration of the town's Swedish heritage. Traditional Swedish foods are prepared and sold in Grandma's Kitchen, and the Stromsburg Public Library hosts events that deal with genealogy and Swedish heritage. Craft shows and live Viking demonstrations are staged.[7]
At the 2010 census, there were 1,171 people in 457 households, including 310 families, in the city. The population density was 1,159.4 inhabitants per square mile (447.6/km2). There were 533 housing units at an average density of 527.7 per square mile (203.7/km2). The racial makup of the city was 97.3% White, 0.4% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4%.[9]
Of the 457 households 29.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.8% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.2% were non-families. 29.5% of households were one person and 16.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.93.
The median age was 46.4 years. 25% of residents were under the age of 18; 4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.7% were from 25 to 44; 23.3% were from 45 to 64; and 27.9% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.9% male and 52.1% female.
2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 1,232 people in 487 households, including 320 families, in the city. The population density was 1,214.2 inhabitants per square mile (468.8/km2). There were 533 housing units at an average density of 525.3 per square mile (202.8/km2). The racial makup of the city was 99.19% White, 0.08% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 0.16% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. 0.65%.[3] were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Of the 487 households 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.1% were married couples living together, 4.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% were non-families. 31.8% of households were one person and 19.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.92.
The age distribution was 22.9% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 20.5% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 31.7% 65 or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.0 males.
As of 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $34,250, and the median family income was $45,250. Males had a median income of $32,132 versus $18,600 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,235. About 4.0% of families and 4.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.9% of those under the age of 18 and 3.5% of those 65 and older.
Government
Center of Stromsburg town square, September 2011
Stromsburg is governed by Mayor Ken Everingham and a four-member city council.[10]
