McCool Junction Nebraska 68401

McCool Junction is a village of 453 residents (2020 Census) — one of the few places in York County to show steady growth over the past two decades, up from 385 in 2000. It was originally platted as "McCool" in 1886 when the railroad reached the site, named for railroad official Daniel McCool; by 1888 it had become a true rail junction where two lines crossed, giving rise to its present name.

Nicknamed "The Magic City On the Blue" for its position near the Big Blue River, McCool Junction is home to Junction Motor Speedway, a 3/8-mile dirt oval that races from March through October, and hosts the annual Mustang Roundup Celebration, a community parade and barbecue. The village's school, rebuilt in 1916 after its predecessor burned down, fields the Mustangs, whose teams have won seven state championships, including football and girls' cross country titles in 2020.

McCool Junction (pop. 453), nicknamed "The Magic City On the Blue," began as a railroad junction in the 1880s and today is home to Junction Motor Speedway and the annual Mustang Roundup Celebration.