55 Best Facts about Nebraska

55 Best Facts about Nebraska

Welcome to the Cornhusker State! This is the place where several fascinating naturally occurring and manmade features make the state a force in the U.S. economy. Nebraska, a state in the center of the United States, and at the heart of the tornado region attracts people from all walks of the earth with the beauty and exciting features, historical sites, agriculture, and the fast-growing economy with the friendliest people. A common feature in the Sandhill is the Sandhill cranes which migrate over the Grand Island during spring. More than half a million birds fly through the island portraying a beautiful natural scene. This is the only place where you will stumble upon a physical feature that has been in place for more than twenty million years and is still usable. If you happen to stop at a restaurant, make sure you order runza. You will be mesmerized by the delicious local dish made from beef and cabbage. The popular flavored drink Kool-Aid, arguably the state’s official drink that drowns thirst instantly globally was proudly created in Nebraska.

Let us explore some of the best fifty-five facts about Nebraska that you should know:

1. Where did the name Nebraska come from?

Etriusus, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The question about the origin of the name “Nebraska” has been one of the most asked when talking about this state. The name was discovered in the early 1840s. “Nebraska” is a word derived from the Native American settlers of Otoe-Missouria origin. The name originally meant flat or Broad River, which originates from one of the Indian tribes. A senator from Iowa played a role in the formation of the name. He suggested that new territories in America should be given Indian names rather than European names. The name Nebraska was born.

2. Nebraska became part of the United States of America in 1854

President Thomas Jefferson can be credited for the existence of Nebraska. The president purchased French territory in the early 1800s which tremendously increased the size of America. Nebraska would, later on, be created from this purchased land, the Louisiana Purchase. Nebraska acquired its territory in 1854 after approval by Congress for the state to have its governor. Nebraska became part of the United States of America.

3. The Early Settlers and Pioneers of Nebraska Transformed the Ancient State 

The early settlers in Nebraska arrived here in the early nineteenth century. These people included the Native American tribes such as the Omaha, Pawnee, and Sioux. These ancient people survived on traditional food such as wild meat and fruits. They were hunters and farmers. They are part of the history of the United States of America.

4. Nebraska is the 37^th State in the United States of America 

Nebraska had been an isolated place until when it became part of the United States of America. President Andrew Johnson signed into law a bill that allowed Nebraska to become the 37^th state in America. The year was 1867, and this region rapidly transformed into a modern state. Railways were built and infrastructure was developed to enhance trade and settlement.

5. This State was Crucial during the second world war

Fox (Sgt), No 1 Army Film & Photographic Unit, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The government established the Offutt Air Force Base where military operations took place during the Second World War. The Grand Island was also a crucial air force training center for the armed forces before they were deployed to fight in the frontline and overseas.

6. Nebraska is Close to Texas in terms of Cowboy Culture and Practices

This region has a rich cowboy culture that began many years ago. The ancient cowboy settlers in Nebraska moved with cattle within the state as they protected the people against Native Americans. They have maintained the culture to date. Visitors can enjoy the culture that was started many years ago.

7. Welcome to the Home for Extraordinary Music Traditions in the US

Associated Booking (management), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

 Nebraska is the home of traditional music and has been a lucky home for some popular music artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. Omaha City has a history of blues and jazz music. Today, live jazz music is performed in the city to maintain the culture,

8. If you Love Games and sports, Nebraska has every game 

Nebraska is the lucky home for several professional teams in all major sports. there is the University of Nebraska Cornhusker is the best in football, the Creighton university blue rays represent the city in basketball, the Omaha storm chaser for baseball, and hockey is played by the Omaha Lancers. However, if you want to spend a night in a fulfilled environment, purchase tickets online.

9. Art is part of Nebraska as you will find bustling art scenes

There are not so many places where music is celebrated as part of the culture.  The Joslyn Museum is just one of the several art venues in the city. Art groups such as the Omaha performing arts must be the best art group in the city. Art is complimented with several murals lined up in the city for those who prefer outdoor viewing.

10. There is possibly the best cuisine and bites in one of the restaurants in the city

Pekka Tamminen, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Several places in the world can be identified with the food that locals love. Nebraska has signature cuisine that you can enjoy alongside other famous dishes such as beef. Runs sandwich is identified with Nebraska, having originated in the 1800s by the Germans. Hot beef sundae is also on the menu in Nebraska as the best dish in the state. Several other types of meals and drinks can only be found in Nebraska such as Kuchen.

10 Best Restaurants you have to visit in Omaha, Nebraska

11. The Reuben sandwich was first prepared and tasted in Nebraska

Have you ever wondered what the ingredients used to prepare a Reuben sandwich? Well, traditionally, this special bite is prepared by using Swiss cheese, corned beef, Russian dressing, and sauerkraut. The sandwich was first prepared by Reuben Kulakofsky, who live in Omaha in the early 1900s.

12. Nebraska has been a savior and settlement place for refugees

Nebraska is a common settlement place for people from nations that have been torn apart because of war. A refugee settling in this state have continued over the years. More than a thousand refugees were received in Nebraska in 2013. The state government ensures that the refugees are taken care of and find employment for them. What a nice state!

13. There is one of the biggest football stadiums in Nebraska

Football is not a very popular sport in the United States of America as most people follow basketball, baseball, and several other indoor games. But this did not stop the people in Nebraska from constructing one of the biggest football stadiums in the state. The Cornhuskers have a capacity of more than ninety thousand, which is the third largest stadium in the country.

14. Nebraska is the home of several soft drinks including the Kool-aid

Matthew Bland, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The man behind the invention of Kool-aid is Edwin Perkins who was living in Hastings. He invented the Kool-aid Juice in 1927 and made modifications to aid transportation and capture a huge market. He converted the juice into powder which is easy to transport to other parts of the country and globally. The Kool-aid was made the official soft drink in the state in 1998.

15. Nebraska has been a gem that led to European nations fighting over her for years

France and Spain expressed their urge to take control of the land called Nebraska which ruined the relationship between the two European powers. The Spanish attempted to take over the land in 1720 which ended tragically as their soldiers were massively massacred by the French and allied troops. The land remained in control of America.

16. Nebraska has the largest man-made forest in the Country 

While going through Nebraska you will notice the National Forest. The massive trees cover more than a hundred and forty thousand acres of land. Something fascinating is that the forest did not exist many years ago until people decided to plant some trees. This is possibly the biggest planted forest in the country. This milestone has been achieved with the help of previous leaders such as J. Morton who introduced a public holiday to encourage tree planting.

17. There is an ancient national monument that makes Nebraska unique 

The Scot Bluff in the western region of Nebraska may seem like an ordinary landmark today but it is not. The place was used in the nineteenth century as a reference point and a huge landmark for the Native Americans. The landmark features on the Mormon and Oregon trails and has been on the internet for the past few years.

18. Nebraska is unique having a lighthouse without a sea

Zunairaghaffar, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Limona Beach Lighthouse is based in Ashland Nebraska. Despite the state being far from any large water body, they managed to have a lighthouse. You would feel like you are on the seashore while at the place. The lighthouse sits on a forty-acre. The lake was built more than eighty years ago.

19. Nebraska was bombed during the second world war 

Just like the Pearl Harbor bombing, Nebraska was also bombed by the Japanese in 1945 during the Second World War. The bombing happened in Dundee in Omaha but the incident was not covered in the media because it caused little damage that would cause unnecessary panic if reported. However, it was reported at the end of the Second World War.

20. Nebraska is so interior that it is the only triply landlocked state in America

Almost every state in America has access to large water bodies such as oceans, seas, gulfs, or bays. Some states that have no access to these water bodies are at least one state away from reaching the water. However, Nebraska is the only state in America where you have to travel at least three states in any direction to reach a water body. It is the only triply landlocked state.

21. Nebraska is the only state with a unicameral or nonpartisan legislature

Unlike other states in the country, Nebraska is the only state whose legislature has only one chamber. Despite that, the state government runs smoothly unlike multi-chamber governments in other states.

22. There is a Guinness Book of World record item at the Leon Myers Stamps Center 

The world’s largest stamp ball is in Nebraska. The ball is believed to consist of at least four and a half million canceled stamps that were put together and rolled into a ball. The ball measures more than thirty inches in diameter and weighs just above six hundred pounds. Created in the 1950s, the stamp ball has become a tourist attraction with people traveling from the rest of the country to have a close look. You can take pictures, and touch it but are not allowed to modify the ball in any way.

23. The state boasts in agriculture for having a lot of corn and livestock

Alex Lomas, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Nebraska is identified with corn and livestock when it comes to agriculture. The amount of land that is utilized in this state to plant corn and rearing livestock cannot be compared to any other state across the country.

24. Do you know where Malcolm X was born? You guessed right, Nebraska

The most vocal and influential African American man was born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1925. Malcolm X grew up in the state, becoming a minister and a human rights activist whose impact changed the way black people were treated in America. He was popular during the civil movements and spearheaded the abolishment of the slave trade and advocated for equal human rights in the country.

25. Nebraska has put the agriculture industry on the highest level

Numbers don’t lie and the agriculture numbers in Nebraska are ridiculous. More than ninety percent of the land in the state has been converted to farmland, either livestock, corn, or any other agricultural activity. More than a quarter of employed people in the state work in agriculture-related companies. The thriving agriculture industry can be attributed to the availability of water and natural resources. More than eight thousand miles of rivers and streams flow in the state providing water for agriculture.

26. The nickname for Nebraska is Cornhusker, which is related to agriculture.

Nebraska gets its nickname from the fact that residents used to harvest corn by hand before machines were invented. The process is called husking, giving the state the name ‘cornhusker.” the name has also been used in the state including the name of a college football team called the University of Nebraska Cornhusker.

27. Nebraska had its capital city changed and renamed in the 19^th century

Omaha was the state capital before Nebraska became one of the states in America. However, in 1867, Nebraska became the 37^th state in America and Lancaster was made the capital city of the state. The city’s name was later on changed to Lincoln to honor the 16^th president of the United States of America.

28. There is a lot of mammoth fossils in the museum and land in Nebraska

James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Nebraska is thought to be the mass burial ground for ancient animals and people. Arguably, there are more than ten fossils of mammals in every square mile in Nebraska. Through the search for fossils, mammoth bones have been found across all the counties in the state. The largest mammal fossil is found in the Nebraska state museum which is an elephant fossil.

29. The state of Nebraska was uninhabitable

The state of Nebraska was uninhabitable. The great plains were fertile and good for farming but the means of transport were not available. If you wanted to travel to the place, you would use horse or foot.

Settlement in the region was not easy until the railroads were constructed. The railways enabled the farmers to transport their agricultural products to the rest of America which boosted the economy of the state. The 1800s railway construction was the beginning of rapid settlement in the state by migrants.

30. The first ski lift in the world was invented in Nebraska

Photo by dominik hofbauer on Unsplash

Thinking about Nebraska and the late development of the state, nobody would think that any technology would possibly be invented there. But the ski lift was one of the inventions in the Great Plains, Nebraska.

A man named Jim Curran was working in the railroad company when he had an idea of inventing a ski life. He was inspired by the machine that was used to transport bananas to and from cargo ships. His idea was brushed off, being termed dangerous and impossible. However, he pulled resources together and invented the first ski lift that was approved in the 1930s.

31. Nebraska has reduced in size as it used to be larger than it is today

The territories that made up Nebraska in the 1850s are different today. The state used to extend from the continental divide to Kansas territory along the 40^th parallel. The eastern and northern sides run from Missouri and the 49^th north equator respectively.

Today, there is the Dakota and Colorado territory that were created before Nebraska became one of the states in America. The land was massively reduced due to part of Nebraska being gifted to neighboring states.

32. The two Swanson brothers in Nebraska are credited for the invention of  frozen TV dinner 

Gilbert and Clarke Swanson were lucky to inherit a food production company from their father when he died in 1949. The two brothers began experimenting with different things in the company until they came up with the idea to make the first frozen meal. They experimented with different meals until 1952 when they released their first invention. The frozen TV dinner has gone on to help the rest of the world, thanks to the Nebraska-based boys.

33. Nebraska is located in the heart of the Tornado

Etriusus, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The tornado alley is arguably the most central region in the United States of America. The region is prone to extreme climatic conditions and is often affected by tornadoes every year. Nebraska is in the middle of this harsh region.

34. Lehigh, Nebraska had a law that prohibited the sale of doughnut holes to their people

Several states in America have weird laws that vary from one state to another, and Nebraska is one of them. At some time back in the 1800s, a law was passed to ban the sale of donut holes to the people. According to the lawmakers, the practice was just not appropriate. Funny enough, the opinion of one man turned into a law and bakers had to stop making donut holes. However, the law was later on revised.

35. Despite being a landlocked state, Nebraska has a navy unit

U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Susan Hammond, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The navy unit in the state was commissioned by former governor T.W Metcalfe. The reason behind his commissioning was personal. He wanted to give his friends some meaningless government appointments. What could be more meaningless than giving a navy unit to a landlocked state government? The top rank in the navy is awarded to people who have constantly contributed to the development of the state. Some of the names that were recognized with the rank of Admiral include John Glenn, Bill Murray, B. Bird, and Captain Kangaroo among others.

36. One man’s horse named Trigger died in 1965 but the body is still in Nebraska

Roy Rogers had one unique horse whom he valued and took care of for years until when he passed on of natural causes. Roger did not dispose of Trigger’s body. He, instead opted to preserve his faithful horse’s body in the Roy Rogers Museum. The body stayed in the museum until 2010 when it was auctioned. Can you imagine a dead horse bringing more than two hundred thousand dollars through auctioning? But Trigger was not an ordinary horse. The Omaha base man’s company uses the horse to promote events.

37. The Ogallala aquifer in Nebraska would have caused flooding in all states in US

Scientists suggest that if the Ogallala aquifer had spread naturally on the land, it would have covered all the states with at least a foot of water. However, the underground source of the aquifer disappeared very fast and people in America don’t have to worry anymore. According to research, it would take more than six thousand years for the reservoir to refill.

38. Archie, the biggest mammoth fossil has a home in Nebraska

James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Archie is a fourteen feet tall fossil that was found in 1922 by a farmer. The Lincoln-based rancher handed over the fossil o the University of Nebraska state museum where it has been reserved until today. The creature looks like an elephant but belongs to a scientific class of Archidiskodon imperator maibeni.

39. There is no official state food in Nebraska 

Although there has never been an official state food in Nebraska, there is a large consumption and love for the local Runza. A mixture of ground meat and cabbage is the main ingredient for this lovely local dish. The two are put in pastry and served while hot. Restaurants in the 80s had runza as the main meal and the people loved and still love the dish.

40. The Old Glory Blowout was first formed in North Platte, Nebraska

inkknife_2000 (7.5 million views +), CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Currently known as the Wild West, and formerly the Old Glory Blowout, the Buffalo Bill’s show was first made in Nebraska. The scout’s ranch is still in existence by the way. Buffalo Bill had a huge junk of land, more than four thousand acres and he dedicated at least twenty for the historical park.

41. The University of Nebraska’s football team’s name went through a series of evolution

The football team was first referred to as the Old Gold Knights before changing to the Antelopes. They later changed the name to the Rattlesnake Boys, which was a little old-fashioned and they adopted the name the Bugeaters. However, after a few years, the sportswriter for the team suggested the name the Cornhusker which stuck because it relates to the activities of the state.

42. The sculpture in Alliance, Nebraska was made by Jim Reinders 

The sculpture in Alliance, Nebraska is a sight to behold. The man took time, and a lot of sacrifice to stick several cars together. He says that he made the sculpture in honor of the memories of his late father who had inspired him to do great things at a young age. You can only find such men in Nebraska.

43. It hosts the largest indoor forest, the Lied Jungle at Henry Doorly Zoo

Don Hotovy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The forest covers more than one and half acres of land making it the largest indoor forest in the United States of America. Despite being artificial, you will find different species of wild animals here. They range from pygmy hippos to capuchin monkeys. Majorly, you will find small species of different types of wild animals.

44. It is only in Nebraska that a fifteen-year-old girl can become a pilot

Evelyn Sharp was the youngest person to become a pilot at just the age of fifteen years. She set the record of the youngest female pilot in the United States of America when she received her pilot’s license at the age of seventeen years. She would soon have a commercial pilot’s license and be legible to fly commercial flights at eighteen years. Before becoming a licensed pilot, Sharp earned a living by performing aerial stunts.

45. Nebraska has the largest irrigated area in the united states of America 

The state of Nebraska holds the biggest share of America’s irrigated land. There are more than eight million acres of land irrigated in Nebraska. The figure accounts for more than fourteen percent of the irrigated land in the whole of America. No state in the country can match Nebraska in producing center pivots. There are more than a hundred thousand irrigation wells in Nebraska that have been approved and registered by the state, and just over fifteen thousand registered water wells. These together make Nebraska an agriculture-friendly state.

46. It hosts a structure estimated to be more than twenty million years old

Mivie23, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Nebraska must be having the oldest usable structure in the history of mankind, the chimney rock. This naturally occurring geological site is currently the most popular and recognized landmark in Nebraska. Having formed between thirty to twenty million years ago, the chimney-like structure also stretches more than three hundred feet wide at the base. This is the oldest structure in the world.

Check out: Top 10 Unbelievable Facts about the Chimney Rock National Historic Site, Nebraska

47. Nebraska made history for plant more than a million trees in a day

Jim Morton was the force behind the idea to plant a million trees in one day. April 10^th, 1872 was the day when Nebraska made history. Countries like Ethiopia and India have replicated the activity in recent years. India holds the record for planting more than fifty million trees in one day, while there are claims that Ethiopia planted more than three hundred million trees in a day in 2019. Although the figures have never been confirmed.

48. The region is loved by hailstone rains

Nebraska has been on the global news on several occasions including having the largest hailstone rainfall in the state. In 2003, a seven-inch diameter hailstone fell in Aurora, Nebraska, and was the largest hailstone in the history of America. Although the record was broken when an eight-inch hailstone fell in Vivian S.D.

49. A Nebraskan man declined the best actor award at the awards event in 1973

In the twentieth century, Marlon Brando Jr was one of the best actors in the film industry. He won several awards including the best actor award in 1973, which he respectfully rejected. Brando was a social activist who protested against discrimination against minority groups in America. When he was offered the award, he declined it as a way to protest against discrimination.

50. Warren Buffett whose success started at an early age was born in Nebraska

Mark Hirschey, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Warren Buffet was born and raised in Nebraska where he saw his shining star at the age of eleven. He was a hardworking kid and a business-minded person. At the age of eleven, he had knowledge about the stock market and he bought stock and before turning sixteen years, he had more than fifty thousand dollars which he had received from several investments. Apart from investing in businesses, he was also working for the Washington Daily by delivering posts. He earned two hundred dollars a month. He had a bright future from a tender age.

51. A historic town named the Red Cloud is the most popular small town in Nebraska 

There have been several important people in history but William Cather stands out as one of the most influential women. She contributed hugely to the history of the United States of America through her writing in literature and her childhood. The Red Cloud town in Nebraska is a memory of the historic woman. The town attracts thousands of tourists in a year, who come to learn about the history of America, thanks to William Cather.

52. Nebraska is the home of one of the presidents of the united states of America

David Hume Kennerly, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

President Gerald Ford, the 38^th president of the United States of America was born in Nebraska State. His birthplace is Omaha, and he was born on July 14, 1913. He lived with his grandparents on Woolworth Avenue for a few weeks before his parents relocated. The place has become a historic site that allows you to learn about America’s historic figures.

Also see: 10 Most Famous People from Nebraska

53. Nebraska state was the last state in the united states of America to design the flag

The flag of Nebraska State was made official in 1963 despite the design being in place for almost four decades. Furthermore, the state seal had been used since 1867 when the state became part of America. The flag shows the golden state seal on a blue background.

54. The unique dunes called Sandhill take up more than twenty percent of the surface

The Sandhill in Nebraska is different from ordinary dunes. They are dunes that have evolved and become so stable to blend into the general geographical appearance. The Sandhills take up more than twenty percent of the land and they are very stable for grass to grow on. The region has been marked as the country’s national natural landmark because of its unique dunes.

55. More than five hundred birds fly through the grand island every year

Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Although there are thousands of different species of birds that stop in the grand islands, the cranes are notable. Referred to as the Sandhill cranes, these birds fly over the Grand Island in large numbers. While millions of them stay on the island, more than half a million fly through the island in search of proper places to settle. They fly again the following spring and the cycle continues.

As we say goodbye to Nebraska’s breathtaking beauty, it is clear to everyone that this state is an extraordinary place that you should plan to visit soon. You will love Nebraska from the day you will set your feet on their soil to the last day. From its beautiful natural vistas to its resilient and hospitable towns, Nebraska has something to offer to everyone regardless of where they come from. The state’s history is a tribute to the beauty and charm of America’s heartland, whether you find yourself admiring the Sandhill cranes’ beautiful dance, discovering the odd Carhenge, or savoring the sweet nostalgia of Kool-Aid. There is no limit in Nebraska when it comes to places to explore and make discoveries. If you wish you can launch a fossil hunting adventure in this state, with assurance that you will find mammal remains in one of the counties. Check the weather before you visit.