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History of Nebraska, USA
Journey back in time to Nebraska, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Nebraska, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Nebraska
Nebraska is known as the “Historic Trails” state. The Lewis and Clark, Mormon Pioneer, Pony Express, Oregon, and California National Historic Trails all cross Nebraska. Other non-designated trails such as the Overland, Oxbow, Texas-Ogalalla Cattle, and Nebraska City Cut-Off Trails once laced the countryside. The Platte River, along which many of the trails run, is the source of the name Nebraska, which in the Oto Indian language means “flat water.”
Most who rushed across the state to get to the California gold fields or to their land of promise failed to realize the riches that Nebraska held in its soil. With excellent soil conditions and plentiful water from the Missouri, Platte, and Niobrara rivers, Nebraska, for those who stayed, was the “promised land.” Corn is Nebraska’s number one agricultural crop, thus giving the state its “Cornhusker” nickname.
discoverytrail.org
Nebraska was once called "The Great American Desert". 50states.com
Kool-Aid was invented by Edwin Perkins in Hastings, Nebraska in the 1920s.
Most who rushed across the state to get to the California gold fields or to their land of promise failed to realize the riches that Nebraska held in its soil. With excellent soil conditions and plentiful water from the Missouri, Platte, and Niobrara rivers, Nebraska, for those who stayed, was the “promised land.” Corn is Nebraska’s number one agricultural crop, thus giving the state its “Cornhusker” nickname.
discoverytrail.org
Nebraska was once called "The Great American Desert". 50states.com
Kool-Aid was invented by Edwin Perkins in Hastings, Nebraska in the 1920s.
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VINTAGE NEBRASKA
Nebraska Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Nebraska, USA
Postcard
St. Johns Church. Creighton University. Omaha, Neb.
Nebraska, USA
(IL) - Chicago Tribune, Chicago, Illinois
Nebraska, USA
Postcard
O Street looking East, Lincoln, Neb.
Nebraska, USA
Postcard
Congregational Church, Plainview, Nebraska
Nebraska, USA
Flag of Nebraska
Adopted July 16, 1963
Adopted July 16, 1963
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to NEBRASKA
NEBRASKA Road Trip Lover's Mug – Endless Cornfield Edition
Embrace your inner road trip enthusiast with this Nebraska-inspired ceramic mug that proudly declares: "I'm from Nebraska! That explains a lot about my love for endless road trips where the scenery changes from cornfields to more cornfields."
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Nebraska: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Nebraska through the years.
1823 - First permanent white settlement built at Bellevue, Nebraska
1862 - The Homestead Act encouraged new settlers from the east into Nebraska
1867 - Nebraska became a state
1872 J. Sterling Morton proposed a holiday to promote the planting of trees in Nebraska. The first “Arbor Day”—in which an estimated 1 million trees were planted—was celebrated on April 10, 1872. By 1920, 45 states had adopted the holiday.
1877 - May 6 - The famed Indian warrior Crazy Horse surrendered, along with 1,000 of his followers near Camp Robinson. He was later killed.
1882 - Buffalo Bill Cody held his first rodeo in North Platte, Nebraska July 4, 1882
On July 4, 1882, Buffalo Bill Cody, a famed showman and former scout for the U.S. Army, held his first rodeo in North Platte, Nebraska. This event marked the beginning of what would become a quintessential American tradition. Cody, whose real name was William Frederick Cody, had gained fame through his Wild West shows, which dramatized the American frontier experience. His rodeo was a spectacle that combined elements of cowboy skills, such as bronco riding, roping, and sharpshooting, with theatrical presentations of life in the Wild West. This inaugural event not only entertained the local population but also set the stage for the professionalization and popularization of rodeo as a sport.
1888 - In Western Nebraska a coal famine existed on the 21st, and coal trains on the Union Pacific were being stopped and robbed.
1889 - All over Nebraska a heavy gale prevailed on the 4th, and considerable damage was done in the western part of the State, building being unroofed and trees blown down.
Show more local history, news & stories
1895 - Nebraska
Nebras'ka, a N.W. central state of the American Union, bounded N. by South Dakota, E. by Iowa, S. by Kansas and Colorado, and W. by Colorado and Wyoming. The extreme length E. and W. is 424 miles, and the greatest width 210 miles. Area, 77,510 square miles. Its N. line is formed by the 43d parallel of N. lat, and the Missouri River, which stream also washes its whole eastern border, The southern line strikes westward along the parallel of 40° N. to the meridian of 102° W. from Greenwich, thence N. to 41° N, lat., then again westward to 104° W, lon, and again northward to lat. 43° N...
February 12, 1899 - The temperature at Camp Clarke NE plunged to 47 degrees below zero to establish a record for the state.
1908 - Killed by a Wash Tub
YOUNG CHILD KILLED.
Death Results From Tub Falling on the Baby.
MEAD, Neb., Sept. 3. - Tuesday morning, while Mrs. Peter Hansen, who lives east of this place, was doing some washing, her little two-year-old daughter upset a wash tub which stood on a box. The tub struck the child in the stomach with such force that death resulted from the injury.
Death Results From Tub Falling on the Baby.
MEAD, Neb., Sept. 3. - Tuesday morning, while Mrs. Peter Hansen, who lives east of this place, was doing some washing, her little two-year-old daughter upset a wash tub which stood on a box. The tub struck the child in the stomach with such force that death resulted from the injury.
1937 - Nebraska is the only state with a nonpartisan, unicameral legislature.
Promoted by Senator George Norris for its efficiency, cost-effectiveness and ability to eliminate secretive conference committee meetings common in bicameral legislatures, Nebraska has been governing by a single-house legislature since 1937.
1942 - Kingsley Dam completed, creating Lake McConaughy
In 1942, the completion of Kingsley Dam marked a significant milestone in the history of Nebraska. This ambitious project led to the creation of Lake McConaughy, the state's largest reservoir. Situated on the North Platte River, the dam was designed to provide water for irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power. Named after George P. Kingsley, a key advocate for the project, the dam stands as a testament to the vision and perseverance of the engineers and workers who brought it to fruition during a challenging period marked by World War II.
1963 - Nebraska became one of the first states to provide the entire state with educational television.
In 1963, Nebraska emerged as a pioneer in educational broadcasting by becoming one of the first states to establish a comprehensive educational television network that covered the entire state. This initiative was driven by the Nebraska Educational Television (NET) Network, which aimed to enhance educational opportunities for students and lifelong learners across the state, particularly in rural areas where access to quality educational resources was limited. The establishment of this network was a significant step in leveraging technology to bridge educational gaps and provide equitable access to educational content.
The Nebraska Educational Television Network's programming included a wide range of educational shows, documentaries, and instructional programs that catered to various age groups and educational needs. This innovative approach not only supported traditional classroom education but also offered adult education and professional development opportunities.
The Nebraska Educational Television Network's programming included a wide range of educational shows, documentaries, and instructional programs that catered to various age groups and educational needs. This innovative approach not only supported traditional classroom education but also offered adult education and professional development opportunities.
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Nebraska:
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (Omaha): This world-renowned zoo features the Desert Dome, the largest indoor desert in the world, a massive indoor rainforest, and a stunning aquarium. It's a perfect place for family outings.
Nebraska State Capitol (Lincoln): Explore the beautiful state capitol building, known for its unique architectural design. You can take a guided tour to learn about the state's history and government.
Scotts Bluff National Monument (Scottsbluff): Discover the geological wonders of the Oregon Trail at Scotts Bluff. Hiking trails offer panoramic views of the Platte River Valley.
Chimney Rock National Historic Site (Bayard): Another iconic Oregon Trail landmark, Chimney Rock is a natural spire that rises nearly 300 feet above the surrounding landscape. It's a must-see for history buffs.
Pioneer Village (Minden): Step back in time at this extensive museum, which features over 50,000 historical items, including antique cars, farm equipment, and a recreated...
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Nebraska State Capitol (Lincoln): Explore the beautiful state capitol building, known for its unique architectural design. You can take a guided tour to learn about the state's history and government.
Scotts Bluff National Monument (Scottsbluff): Discover the geological wonders of the Oregon Trail at Scotts Bluff. Hiking trails offer panoramic views of the Platte River Valley.
Chimney Rock National Historic Site (Bayard): Another iconic Oregon Trail landmark, Chimney Rock is a natural spire that rises nearly 300 feet above the surrounding landscape. It's a must-see for history buffs.
Pioneer Village (Minden): Step back in time at this extensive museum, which features over 50,000 historical items, including antique cars, farm equipment, and a recreated...
GENEALOGY IN NEBRASKA
Discover YOUR Roots: Nebraska Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Nebraska through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Nebraska, USA
We currently have information about 62 ancestors who were born or died in Nebraska.
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Ancestors Who Were Married in Nebraska, USA
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Updated: 6/24/2024 1:33:02 PM
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