spend time with this NATIVE NEBRASKA For centuries, Native nations inhabited these lands before the arrival of European explorers in the 17th century. APRIL 10, 1872 The inaugural Arbor Day is celebrated in Nebraska 1803 U.S. purchases the region as part of the Louisiana Purchase MARCH 1, 1867 Nebraska becomes the 37th state 1874 FEBRUARY 15, 1869 University of Nebraska-Lincoln is founded Cattle drives expand northward, including routes bringing Texas cattle into western Nebraska near the Red Cloud Indian Agency 1804 Lewis and Clark’s journey west leads them through the Nebraska territory along the Missouri River 1840 s – 1860 s Settlers travel the Oregon and California trails through the Nebraska territory SEPTEMBER 2, 1878 Creighton University opens in Omaha 1879 The landmark civil rights case of Standing Bear v. Crook rules that Native Americans are people entitled to the same rights of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” as all U.S. citizens 1846–1847 Winter Quarters is established in Omaha along the Mormon Trail MAY 20, 1862 The Homestead Act of 1862 grants more than a million settlers 160 acres of public land each, driving westward expansion APRIL 1860 The legendary Pony Express courier service is created to deliver mail to California, with stations across Nebraska JULY 1, 1862 Pacific Railroad Act of 1862 authorizes the construction of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad, running from Omaha to Sacramento, California MAY 19, 1883 Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show opens in Omaha 40 VisitNebraska.com/history
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide Nebraska 2026 Official State Travel Guide: Page 40
