Johnson traces to a store and post office opened by Judd Wright in the 1860s; the community relocated to its present site in 1882 when the railroad arrived, and was formally incorporated as a village in 1894. It takes its name from Julius A. Johnson, the original town-site proprietor.

Today Johnson has about 313 residents (2020 Census) and keeps up local traditions like its annual Harvest Home Picnic. In an unusual entertainment-world footnote, Johnson-born session singer Bill Lee provided the singing voice for actor Christopher Plummer’s character in the film version of The Sound of Music.

Johnson is a Nemaha County village of about 313 residents, incorporated in 1894 and known locally for its annual Harvest Home Picnic.