Editing Laurel, Nebraska (section)

==History==
Laurel was founded in 1893 and was originally named Claremont Junction. The present name is after Laura Martin, the daughter of one of the city's founders.

In 2021 the city completed its last phase of a $2.6 million Downtown Revitalization Project which included removing the median from and pouring new concrete on East 2nd (Main) Street, widening the downtown sidewalks, and constructing a new city hall which houses the city offices, senior center, and can be used for parties and events.

Also in 2021 the city opened its new fire hall in thanks to fundraising and donations. The new fire hall holds up to seven fire engines, two ambulances, and has storage, a classroom, and common area spaces. The volunteer fire department and EMS are housed out of the hall.

In 2024, Laurel finished construction on their school building which houses the elementary and high school students. The former high school was demolished, a new addition was added, and the remainder of the school that still stood was completely renovated. This was part of a $25 million bond that passed in 2021 by a single vote, 596–595.