[2] Established in 1854 and incorporated in 1856, Brownville was the largest town in the Nebraska Territory, with a population of 1,309 by 1880.

Brownville's attempt to secure a railroad of its own was severely botched and led to immense tax increases to pay the bonds for the failed venture.

Omaha land magnates Herman and Augustus Kountze held large holdings in the early town.

After the American Civil War, David Mercer established a law practice in the town.

That year Eugene Gilmore, the future acting Governor-General of the Philippines, was born in the town.

Owing to its place in Nebraska history, Brownville is primarily a tourist attraction with several old houses opened for tours or converted into museums.

Art galleries and wineries in and near Brownville have also helped to make the town an increasingly attractive getaway for residents of the region's larger cities.

[6] Omaha's River City Star was built in the town in 1967, and was originally named the Belle of Brownville.

The arboretum is named in honor of Nebraska's second governor, Robert W. Furnas, the signer of the first declaration of Arbor Day.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.65 square miles (1.68 km2), all land.

The Cooper Nuclear Station is owned and operated by the Nebraska Public Power District.