In August 1856 it became apparent that a settlement was forming at the confluence of the Aowa and South Creeks. Frank West, realizing the speculative potential of an area rich in timber, farmland, and a bountiful water supply, platted the first 300 acres in October of 1856.

In 1857 a well organized effort to capture a seat in the Territorial Legislature proved successful when D.T. Bramble, a local Ponca merchant, was elected to the Omaha body. This event proved to be a major turning point in the history of Ponca. One of the first actions taken by Mr. Bramble was the introduction of legislation organizing Dixon County, with subsequent provisions for the selection of the county seat. Ponca, determined to capture the seat, made alliances with nearby towns and managed to acquire enough political influence to win the seat.

Growth in the following years was largely dependent on the economic prosperity of the area. Ponca remained a small and slowly growing community until the introduction of the railroad in the mid-1870s. General economic prosperity and the new transportation facility combined to improve the prospects for Ponca's increased growth and eventually made the town a thriving commercial center and a desirable place to live.

The development of Ponca State Park represents one of the most important elements in the history of Ponca. Originated in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the 2,200-acre park is one of the finest recreational facilities in Nebraska and represents a significant contribution to the Ponca economy.