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Journey back in time to Nebraska, USA

Explore Nebraska, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.

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Nebraska, USA -  Nebraska, USA - St. Johns Church. Creighton University. Omaha, Neb.

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.



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Nebraska Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Nebraska, USA - St. Johns Church. Creighton University. Omaha, Neb.
Nebraska, USA

Postcard
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St. Johns Church. Creighton University. Omaha, Neb.
Nebraska, USA -
Nebraska, USA

(IL) - Chicago Tribune, Chicago, Illinois
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Nebraska, USA - O Street looking East, Lincoln, Neb.
Nebraska, USA

Postcard
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O Street looking East, Lincoln, Neb.
Nebraska, USA - Congregational Church, Plainview, Nebraska
Nebraska, USA

Postcard
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Congregational Church, Plainview, Nebraska
Nebraska, USA - Flag of Nebraska
Adopted July 16, 1963
Nebraska, USA
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Flag of Nebraska
Adopted July 16, 1963

Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to NEBRASKA

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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."

Discover Nebraska: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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1823 - First permanent white settlement built at Bellevue, Nebraska

www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ netimeln.htm
1862 - The Homestead Act encouraged new settlers from the east into Nebraska

www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ netimeln.htm
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.

www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ nebraska.html
1877 - May 6 - The famed Indian warrior Crazy Horse surrendered, along with 1,000 of his followers near Camp Robinson. He was later killed.

www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ netimeln.htm
May 6, 1877
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.
ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ nebraska.html
1888 - In Western Nebraska a coal famine existed on the 21st, and coal trains on the Union Pacific were being stopped and robbed.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 28, 1888
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.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 9, 1889
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...
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
February 12, 1899 - The temperature at Camp Clarke NE plunged to 47 degrees below zero to establish a record for the state.

WeatherForYou.com
February 12, 1899
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.
The Nebraska State Journal
Lincoln, Nebraska
September 4, 1908
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.
www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ nebraska.html
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.
worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ netimeln.htm
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.
ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ nebraska.html
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... Read MORE...

Discover YOUR Roots: Nebraska Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Nebraska, USA

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Updated: 6/24/2024 1:33:02 PM