 In 1875 a petition was presented to the Merrick County Court requesting a name change for Lone Tree to "Central City".Proponents of change argued that the name "Lone Tree", gave the impression that the area was desolate and the inhabitants were poor and uncivilized, which would not bring in new settlers and thereby limit the growth of the area.Opponents to change countered that "Lone Tree" portrayed a "beautiful spot and is a name dear to the pioneers."