Located in the southeast of Box Butte County, Alliance was the first town in Nebraska to adopt the city manager form of government. Initiating this innovative system in 1921, it is still in use today. Downtown Alliance is an old town, where many beautiful brick buildings carry the names of past owners and early-1900 dates. Older homes with elegant designs, from Sweetwater to Cheyenne Avenues and 1st to 8th Streets, bespeak of gracious living and citizens with much community pride. Alliance has survived the drought and grasshoppers, business booms and busts, and many social changes. The town's history is at times comical, joyous, and tragic. But throughout the years, the steadfast character of the true pioneer comes through.