Seneca, Nebraska
Decreasing Population
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Between 1920 and 1930 the town of Seneca saw its sharpest decline in population losing nearly half its population. There are many causes for the decreasing population of Seneca, Nebraska.
Mainly, in the late 1940s, Highway 2 was paved moving it south and away from Seneca. Now all that can be seen from Highway 2 is a small sign saying Seneca.
Not long after the highway moved, the roundhouse closed causing loss of jobs. As a result, people moved and businesses struggled and eventually closed.
The decreasing population caused the high school to close in 1954. In 1973, Seneca ceased being a crew change point so the hotels and cafe closed. The elementary school closed in 1988 and the population has continued to decrease.