History

French fur traders named Platte island 'Le Grande Isle'; Germans arrived in 1857

The city of Grand Island derived its name from a 40-mile-long island on the multichannel Platte River. Early French fur traders named the island Le Grande Isle, and it was part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

Some claims to fame: Abbott sisters, Fonda

When it comes to famous people, Grand Island has several claims to fame.

Tornado Hill a high G.I. point

One of the Grand Island's biggest landmarks is Tornado Hill, located within the boundaries of Ryder Park in west-central Grand Island. It is actually an artificial hill created to cover debris left behind by the June 3, 1980 tornadoes.

Tidbits from Grand Island's past: Schauppsville, Robert Taylor

Schauppsville School District; G.I. enters the ice business; A new plant, a new product; Robert Taylor and sheep.