[5][6] In 1890-91, the town had a population of 50, and a general store, newspaper, and post office; five years later, a school and community hall had been added.

The town was of some local importance as a shipping stop along the railroad, although it never developed many commercial enterprises.

A refinery was operated in the town in 1935 by the Utility Petroleum Company of Chadron.

It lies along the west side of the BNSF Railway tracks, and of Nebraska Highway 2 near its junction with U.S. Route 385.

[10] In 2010, West Plains Grain Inc. announced plans to build a high-speed grain-loading facility with a capacity of 126 rail cars near Berea.