1848Military
In 1848, to safeguard westward migrants traveling through the region, the US Army established a military fort several miles southeast of the present city.
1866Infrastructure
The region expanded in 1866 with the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad.
1871Military
Kearny, Fort Kearny would become the namesake of the present city and serve as a stopping-point for gold prospectors, Pony Express riders, and Union Pacific Railroad workers unt...
1873Government
The city of Kearney was incorporated on December 3, 1873, the townsite being fixed a mille north of the Platte River.
1905Government
It was founded in 1905 as Nebraska State Normal School at Kearney and became Nebraska State Teachers College in 1921.
1912History
In 1912, the Catholic diocese of Kearney was centered here.
1917History
The diocese was suppressed in 1917, with the creation of the diocese of Grand Island.
1950History
The council manager form of government was adopted in 1950.
1963Education
Between 1963 and 1991 the school was known as Kearney State College.
1972Economy
Secretary of Commerce 1972–73, co-founder of the Blackstone Group
Ryan Quincy, Emmy-winning animator, producer, and voice actor
Tim Schlattmann, screenwriter
Dan Schlissel, reco...
1991Education
The college's name was changed to University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1991, when it joined the University of Nebraska system.
1997History
In 1997, the historical diocese of Kearney began to be used as a titular see by the Catholic Church.
2000History
=== 2000 census ===
As of the census of 2000, there were 29,952 people, 10,549 households, and 6,160 families residing in the city.
2006Education
Merryman Performing Arts Center, located in the city's Central Elementary School, is a 750 seat theater completed in 2006.
2010History
=== 2010 census ===
As of the census of 2010, there were 30,787 people, 12,201 households, and 7,015 families residing in the city.
2011History
Wolf, businessman and politician
== In popular culture ==
Dexter (season 6), episode 7 ("Nebraska", airdate November 13, 2011) was set in Kearney, Nebraska.
2013Education
In 2013, the Shrine Bowl State High School All-Star Football Game was moved from Lincoln to Kearney.
2016History
The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $60,755 (with a margin of error of +/- $4,444) and the median family income $8...
2020History
=== 2020 census ===
The 2020 United States census counted 33,867 people, 13,361 households, and 7,772 families in Kearney.
2024History
Morgan retired as city manager January 1, 2024 and Brenda Jensen took over as interim manager until she was appointed and made official city manager on May 1, 2024.