This thesis is a collection of essays about Paxton, a small town in western Nebraska, and an exploration of the contradictions and complexities found there. It is also a reflection on the layers of history and connections that exist not only among families that have lived in these towns for generations, but in the whole town and the surrounding landscape. These layers become intricately intertwined, blurring the distinctions among landscape, people, and their experiences. In making these explorations, I also compare my experience in western Nebraska to that of other authors who have written on the Great Plains, such as Kathleen Norris and Gretel Ehrlich. Chapter I introduces the town and the historical significance it has to my family. Chapter II delves into the complications and connections I eventually discovered while living in Paxton, and Chapter III explores the difficulties of living in a small town. The collection focuses on accepting, even celebrating, the contraries that make up life in Paxton, Nebraska. / Graduation date: 1996