Nebraska
History: For thousands of years before European exploration, Indigenous peoples (Native Americans) settled and lived in the region of present-day Nebraska. The later tribes included the Omaha, Missouria, Ponc, Pawnee Otoe, and Sioux. In the 1690s to 1720s, both Spain (coming up from the south) and France (coming down from the north) fought for control of the region. Each empire established trade relations and treaties with local tribes. As a result of the Seven Years’ War, France ceded its claims over the Louisiana territory (including Nebraska) to Spain. In 1800, however, Spain returned the Louisiana Territory back to France. Needing money, France decided to sell the territory to the new United States in 1803. Nebraska became the 37th state on March 1, 1867.
Economy: Nebraska derives most of its income from livestock, dairy, and agriculture (crops). It ranks third among the states in money made from livestock. Chicken eggs and dairy products are a large part of livestock revenue, as well. Besides that, Nebraska farmers raise sheep, lambs, broilers (young chickens), farm chickens, and turkeys. The most important crop in Nebraska is corn; raising lots of it for feeding cattle and hogs. Other important crops are soybeans, wheat, hay, and grain sorghum (grain for animals). Transportation is also important, as a lot of trans-continental rail and truck traffic passes through Nebraska.
Climate: Nebraska’s climate is generally humid continental and semi-arid in the western half. The state gets wide variations in both temperature and precipitation (rainfall). The average temperatures are pretty much the same across Nebraska, with hot summers and cold winters. Nebraska is in Tornado Alley, so thunderstorms are common during the spring and summer. Violent thunderstorms and tornadoes usually happen in spring and summer, as well.
Geography: Most of Nebraska is made up of plains. The two main land regions it contains are: the Dissected Till Plains and the Great Plains. Most of the far eastern part of the state was formed and shaped by Ice Age glaciers. North of the Platte River in central Nebraska is the largest area of sand dunes in North America. (about 20,000 square miles) The great plains occupying most of western Nebraska are made up of several smaller diverse land regions – the Sandhills, the Pine Ridge, the Rainwater Basin, the High Plains and the Wildcat Hills.
Fun Facts:
- The name Nebraska, coming from the Otoe Indians, means “flat water”, referring to the Platte River that flows throughout the state
- The largest mammoth fossil on display anywhere in the world is in Elephant Hall, at the University of Nebraska State Museum.
- In the late 1800’s, Nebraska had a law not allowing bakers to sell donut holes, saying they were trying to make an undue profit.
- Nebraska is one of the least populated states.
- Kool-Aid was invented in 1927 in Hastings.
- The world’s largest rail yard is the Union Pacific Bailey Yard in North Platte.
Points of Interest:
- Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha has the world’s largest indoor rainforest
- Carhenge, a replica of the famous English Stonehenge but built out of cars, is located just north of Alliance
- Scotts Bluff National Monument
- Lincoln’s Childrens Museum
- Great Platte River Road Archway Monument in Kearney
- Historic Omaha Old Market
Six additional sites to visit for more information:
www.netstate.com/states/ne_intro
kids.nationalgeographic.com/nebraska
