My First Pocket Guide to Nebraska

Nebraska Basics

Nebraska Geography

Nebraska History

Nebraska People

Nebraska Places

Nebraska Nature

Nebraska Miscellany

by Carole Marsh

M My y F Fiir rs st t P Po oc ck ke et t G Gu uiid de e

B By y C Ca ar ro olle e M Ma ar rs sh h

The Carole Marsh Bob Longmeyer Chad Beard Cecil Anderson Steven Saint-Laurent Jill Sanders

Kathy Zimmer Terry Briggs Pat Newman Billie Walburn Jackie Clayton Pam Dufresne

Cranston Davenport Lisa Stanley Antoinette Miller Victoria DeJoy Al Fortunatti Shery Kearney

Published by GALLOPADE INTERNATIONAL

www.nebraskaexperience.com 800-536-2GET • www.gallopade.com ©2001 Carole Marsh • First Edition • All Rights Reserved. ©2011 Ebook Edition Character Illustrations by Lucyna A. M. Green. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. The Nebraska Experience logo is a trademark of Carole Marsh and Gallopade International, Inc. A free catalog of The Nebraska Experience Products is available by calling 800-536-2GET, or by visiting our website at www.nebraskaexperience.com.

Gallopade is proud to be a member of these educational organizations and associations:

Other Nebraska Experience Products • The Nebraska Experience! • The BIG Nebraska Reproducible Activity Book • The Nebraska Coloring Book • My First Book About Nebraska! • Nebraska “Jography”: A Fun Run Through Our State • Nebraska Jeopardy!: Answers and Questions About Our State • The Nebraska Experience! Sticker Pack • The Nebraska Experience! Poster/Map • Discover Nebraska CD-ROM • Nebraska “Geo” Bingo Game • Nebraska “Histo” Bingo Game

A Word From the Author... (okay, a few words)... Hi! Here’s your own handy pocket guide about the great state of Nebraska! It really will fit in a pocket—I tested it. And it really will be useful when you want to know a fact you forgot, to bone up for a test, or when your teacher says, “I wonder . . .” and you have the answer— instantly! Wow, I’m impressed! Get smart, have fun!

Nebraska Basics

Nebraska Geography

Carole Marsh

Nebraska Basics explores your state’s symbols and their special meanings! Nebraska Geography digs up the what’s where in your state! Nebraska History is like traveling through time to some of your state’s great moments! Nebraska People introduces you to famous personalities and your next-door neighbors! Nebraska Places shows you where you might enjoy your next family vacation! Nebraska Nature - no preservatives here, just what Mother Nature gave to Nebraska!

Nebraska History

Nebraska People

Nebraska Places

Nebraska Nature

Nebraska Miscellany

All the real fun stuff that we just HAD to save for its own section!

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State Name

Who Named You? Nebraska’s official state name is...

State Name

Nebraska Word Definition

OFFICIAL: appointed, authorized, or approved by a government or organization

Statehood: March 1, 1867 Nebraska will be on a statecommemorative quarter starting in the year 2006. Look for it in cash registers everywhere!

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Nebraska was the 37th state to join the Union.

Coccinella noemnotata is my name (that’s Latin for ladybug)! What’s YOURS?

State Name Origin

W hat’s In A

Name ?

State Name Origin

Nebraska got its name from the Oto Indian word, Nebrathka, which means the land of flat waters. In 1842, John Charles Frémont referred to the Platte River by the name Nebraska. When the territory was created in 1854, the name Nebraska was the chosen name.

Many of Nebraska’s city names, such as Winnebago and Ohiowa, reflect its Native American heritage.

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State Nicknames

WHO Are You Calling Names? State Nicknames

Nebraska is not the only name by which the state is recognized. Like many other states, Nebraska has some nicknames, official or unofficial!

Cornhusker State Treeplanter’s State From 1895 to WWII Nebraska was called the Treeplanter’s State. After that, it was nicknamed Cornhusker State to honor the University of Nebraska’s football team.

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Sounds like they grow lots of things in this state!

State Capital/Capitol

State Capital:

Lincoln State Capital/ Capitol

Capital of Nebraska Since

1867

In 1867, state legislators decided that the little prairie town of Lancaster should become the capital of the state. They renamed it Lincoln after President Lincoln who had been assassinated. Lincoln was right on the edge of new settlement and for that reason was thought to be a good location. In 1932, the limestone capitol building was completed. It has a 400-foot (122-meter) high domed tower. It is called the “Tower of the Plains.”

Word Definition

CAPITAL: a town or city that is the official seat of government CAPITOL: the building in which the government officials meet 7

State Government

Who’s in Charge Here? Nebraska’s EXECUTIVE

GOVERNMENT

has three branches:

LEGISLATIVE

JUDICIAL

Unicameral legislature (one-house nonpartisan legislature) The Senate (49 members representing each of the 49 districts)

Supreme Court: one chief justice and six associate justices Twenty-one district courts Municipal and juvenile court districts

State Government

A governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, and auditor

The number of legislators is determined by population, which is counted every ten years; the numbers above When you are are certain to 18 and register according to change as Nebraska laws, Nebraska grows you can vote! So please do! and prospers! Your vote counts!

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State Flag

State Flag

Nebraska’s current state flag was adopted in 1925. It features the state seal in gold and silver centered on a field of national blue.

As you travel throughout Nebraska, count the times you see the Nebraska flag! Look for it on government vehicles, too!

✮

✮ ✮ ✮

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State Seal & Motto

State Seal The state seal of Nebraska features a steamboat sailing on the Missouri River. In the background are the Rocky Mountains with a train of cars headed toward State Seal them. Agriculture is & represented by a settler’s Motto cabin and sheaves of wheat. A smith with hammer and anvil stand for the mechanical arts. The state motto is at the top of the circle. The words, “Great Seal of Nebraska, March 1st, 1867,” surrounds the circle.

?

Word Definition

MOTTO: a sentence, phrase, or word expressing the spirit or purpose of an organization or group

State Motto Nebraska’s state motto is... Nebraskans take pride in their seal symbolizing the people of their state and the beauty of the land.

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Equality Before the Law

This means that each person’s rights should be protected by the laws of the state regardless of a person’s race, color, or creed (religious beliefs). I think I’m going to like it here!

State Bird

Birds of a Feather The western meadowlark is yellow breasted with a black “V” on its chest. It has brown feathers with white outer tail feathers. The meadowlark is usually about 8.5 inches (22 centimeters) long. This bird has a loud flute-like whistle. The western meadowlark lives in pastures, meadows, and grain fields.

State Bird

In 1929, the western meadowlark was designated the state bird by the legislature.

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State Tree

COTTONWOOD rris

m “W ood

Mo

State Tree

pe

h at tree!”—Ge are t orge p s , Po n a

The American elm was named Nebraska’s first state tree in 1937. The state legislature changed it to the cottonwood in 1972 because of its importance to the pioneers in the early days of settlement in the state. The cottonwood can grow from between 75–100 feet (23–30 meters) in height. The tree has an ashy gray bark with long triangular leaves. The tiny dark seeds are attached to tufts of cottony hair. Cottonwoods prefer a moist soil and are often found growing near streams.

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State Flower

GOLDENROD A lovelier flower on earth was never sown. —William Wordsworth

State Flower

The goldenrod is Nebraska’s state flower. It is a perennial plant and can grow from 1–5 feet (0.30–1.5 meters) tall. It has yellow flower heads that grow in clusters and will bloom from July to October. It is a favorite place for the praying mantis. They sit on the stem and catch flying insects who are drawn to the flowers. Goldenrod is also a good place for the praying mantis to lay its eggs.

RIDDLE:

If the state flower got mixed up with the state bird, what would you have? ANSWER: A meadow that’s golden—it could happen!

The early settlers would make a kind of tea with goldenrod plants.

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State Animal White-tailed Deer

State Animal

The deer uses its white tail to warn others of possible danger by raising it to give the alarm.

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The white-tailed deer is the state mammal. It was chosen as a symbol in 1981. The deer live in bushy areas, forests, and farmland. Green plants, acorns, and corn are the main part of their diet during the summer. In winter they eat woody vegetation.

I’m sure glad that ladybugs aren’t part of their diet!

State Fossil

Woolly Mammoth The mammoth is the state fossil. Mammoths crossed the Bering Strait land bridge and settled in many parts of North America. They were larger than today’s modern elephant. Early man hunted them for their fur, tusks, and meat. They provided a means of survival for prehistoric people as a source of food, fur for clothing, and tools that could be made from tusks and bones. The mammoth was named the state fossil in 1967.

State Fossil

The largest mammoth fossil ever discovered was found in Nebraska. It is on display at the University of Nebraska State Museum.

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State Dance

T he Square Dance State Dance

The square dance is an American folk dance related to the English country dance and French ballroom dance. It includes squares, rounds, clogging, contra line, the Virginia reel, and heritage dances. The dancers move in pairs or sets to lively music played on fiddles or other instruments. A caller announces the steps of the country dance.

Square dancing provided a needed form of entertainment for the pioneers whose lives were filled with hardships. It was appointed the official state folk dance in 1997.

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State Soft Drink

Kool-Aid ® Kool-Aid® was developed in Hastings by Edwin E. Perkins in 1927. Perkins developed a method of removing the liquid from his drink Fruit Smack that would leave a powder which could be repackaged. This then became Kool-Aid®! The fruit-flavored drink was chosen by Governor Ben Nelson as the state soft drink in 1998.

My favorite flavor is cherry. What’s yours?

State Soft Drink

In the 1950s, the demand for KoolAid® was so great that Perkins had to expand his factory. Nearly a million packets of KoolAid® were produced each day.

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State Gem

Blue Chalcedony State Gem

The blue chalcedony (kal-SED-nee) was named the state gemstone by the legislature in 1967. It is also called the blue agate. It is a pale stone with a dark internal form with bands of blue and white. They are found in northwestern Nebraska.

Blue agates are often used in making jewelry.

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My mom would like a blue agate necklace!

State Insect

Honeybee State Insect

The honeybee (Apis mellifera) is the official state insect. There are about 61,000 colonies of honeybees producing 4 million pounds (1,814,400 kilograms) of honey. They make the honey from flower nectar and live in hives where the honey is stored. Honey In the colonies production in Nebraska is a there is a queen $3.1 million business. that lays the eggs, thousands of female worker bees, and a few drones, male bees who do not have stingers.

I wonder if the bees need a partner!

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State Fish

Channel Catfish State Fish

The channel catfish is the symbol for the state fish. It has a deeply forked tail and a slender body. This catfish likes to swim in clear moving water. It can weigh up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms).

Nebraska Channel Catfish Put a catfish filet on foil. Drizzle with lemon juice. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add shredded smoked ham and broil fish until done.

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Sounds fishy to me!

State Map The State of

Nebraska

Top of state

State Map

States are great!

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State Location N e b ra s k a i s one of the G re at P l a i n s s t a t e s.

State Location

T H E CO N T I G U O U S U N I T E D S TAT E S

Nebr

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Word Definition

aska

LATITUDE: Imaginary lines which run horizontally east and west around the globe LONGITUDE: Imaginary lines which run vertically north and south around the globe

State Neighbors

On The Border! These border Nebraska: States: Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Missouri Body of water: Missouri River

South D

State Neighbors

akota

g Wyomin

M is

sou ri

er Riv

ska Nebra

Iowa

o Colorad Kansas

Missouri

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East-West, North-South, Area

I’ll Take the Low Road… East-West, North-South, Area

Nebraska stretches 207 miles (333 kilometers) from north to south—or south to north. Either way, it’s a long drive!

Total Area: Approximately 77,358 square miles (200,356 square kilometers) Land Area: Approximately 76,878 square miles (199,099 square kilometers) Nebraska is 426 miles (687 kilometers) from east to west—or west to east. Either way, it’s still a long drive! This is a compass rose. It helps you find the right direction on a map!

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Highest & Lowest Points

You Take the High Road!

Highest & Lowest Points

HIGHEST POINT PANORAMA POINT—5,424 FEET (1,653 METERS)

Panorama Point is located in Kimball County. There is a register and a monument on the highpoint. It isn’t a mountain or peak but gives a good view of the surrounding area. LOWEST POINT ALONG THE MISSOURI RIVER—840 FEET (256 METERS)

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State Counties

I’m County-ing on You!

State Counties

Top of state

Nebraska is divided into 93 counties.

Word

COUNTY: Definition an administrative subdivision of a state or territory

1, 2, 3, 4, 5...

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6, 7, 8, 9, 10...

Natural Resources It’s All Natural!

Forests only make up about one percent of Nebraska’s land area.

Word Definition

NATURAL RESOURCES: things that exist in or are formed by nature

Natural Resources

Minerals and rocks: Oil Natural gas Sand Gravel Clay Limestone

Nebraska’s fertile soil is one of its best natural resources. The state produces crops that are enjoyed by people throughout the nation.

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Weather

Weather, Or Not?! Nebraska’s temperatures can drop to –20°F (0°C) in the winter and reach lower 100°s F (30°s C) in the summer.

Weather

Highest temperature: 118°F (48°C), Minden, July 24, 1936 ºF=Degrees Fahrenheit ºC=Degrees Celsius

Lowest temperature: –47°F (–44°C), Camp Clarke, February 12, 1899

Hail storms are very dangerous in western Nebraska. This area may have the highest hail frequency in the country.

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Topography

Nebraska has one of the country’s best supply of surface and underground water. The state’s rivers and streams all drain to the Missouri River located on the eastern border of the state.

100 m 328 ft 200 m 656 ft 500 m 1,640 ft 2,000 m 1,000 m 6,562 ft 3,281 ft

TOPOGRAPHY: the detailed mapping of Word Definition features on the surface of land

Topography

5,000 m 16,404 ft

Nebraska’s topography includes the Central Lowlands and the Great Plains. The Lowlands are made up of the Dissected Till Plains located in the eastern section of the state. The remainder of the state is made up of the Great Plains. The Plains have four main areas: the High Plains, Sand Hills, Loess Hills and Canyons, and the Loess Plains.

Sea Level

Back On Top

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Ridges and Hills

King of the Hill Sand Hills Loess Hills Ridges and Hills

Scotts Bluff Pine Ridge

I’m calling your Bluff!

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Rivers

Down The River Here are some of Nebraska’s major rivers:

• Platte River • Missouri River • Big Blue River • Little Blue River • Loup River • Nemaha River • Niobrara River • Republican River

From February to April, almost 90 percent of the world’s sandhill crane population uses an 80-mile (128-kilometer) stretch of the Platte River as a rest stop on their migration north.

Rivers

Grab a paddle!

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Major Lakes

Gone Fishin’ Major Lakes

● Harry Strunk Lake ●

Johnson Lake ● Lake McConaughy ● Lake Minatare Lakes and ● Lewis and Clarke Lake reservoirs provide recreation, flood ● Swanson Lake control, irrigation, and sometimes ● Sutherland Reservoir hydroelectric power for the ● Harlan County Lake citizens of Nebraska.

Word Definition

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RESERVOIR: a body of water stored for public use

Cities & Towns Boy ,w Surp ill you h ave rise a w get my V hen you alen tine !

Are You a city mouse… or a Country Mouse?

Have you heard of these wonderful Nebraska town, city, or crossroad names? Perhaps you can start your own list!

MAJOR CITIES:

• Omaha • Lincoln • Grand Island • Bellevue • Kearney • Fremont • Hastings

Cities & Towns

UNIQUE NAMES:

• Eagle • Geneva • Hershey • Indianola • Madrid • Orleans • Sidney • West Point • Surprise • Valentine

Iw with ill share it m the y friend Eag le. ,

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Transportation Major Interstate Highways I-80 I-180 I-480 I-680 Railroads Transportation

Bailey Railroad Yard— operated by the Union Pacific Railroad; nation’s largest railroad classification yard; 5,000 miles (8,047 kilometers) of track in service

Major Airports Omaha Municipal Airport-Eppley Airfield Lincoln Municipal Airport 110 public airports 210 private airports

Riverport Omaha—major port city on the Missouri River

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Timeline c.100 Woodland Period; Indians form settlements on the Nebraska Plains 1541 Francisco Vásquez de Coronado and a Spanish army claim territory for Spain that includes present-day Nebraska 1682 René Cavelier, Sieur de LaSalle, claims all land drained by the Mississippi for France 1720 Spanish forces under Pedro de Villasur retreat after being beaten by the Pawnee Indians near Columbus 1739–40 Pierre and Paul Mallet are the first white men to cross Nebraska 1803 U.S. buys Louisiana Territory from France; Nebraska is part of this land 1819 General Henry Atkinson and soldiers build Fort Atkinson on the Missouri River near Omaha 1843 Westward movement along the Oregon Trail begins Timeline 1854 Congress passes Kansas-Nebraska Act creating territories of Kansas and Nebraska 1867 Nebraska is admitted to the Union as the 37th state 1875 State constitution is adopted 1877 Oglala Sioux Chief Crazy Horse surrenders at Fort Robinson 1902 Reclamation Act is passed providing for big irrigation project north of the Platte River 1917 Father Flanagan opens Boys Town in Omaha 1934 State constitution is amended allowing for a unicameral legislature 1939 Oil is discovered near Falls City in southeastern Nebraska 1946 Omaha chosen as headquarters of Strategic Air Command 1974 Gerald R. Ford becomes president of the U.S. after the resignation of Richard M. Nixon; first Nebraska born president 1987 Kay Orr is elected governor of Nebraska; first woman Republican governor in U.S. history 2001 Nebraska enters the 21st century

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Early History

Here come the humans! Early History

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Thousands of years ago, ancient peoples inhabited Nebraska. They may have originally come across a frozen bridge of land between Asia and Alaska. If so, they slowly traveled east until some settled in what would one day become the state of Nebraska. As early as twelve thousand years ago, Paleo-Indians roamed the land that is now known as Nebraska. They hunted giant sloths, These early varieties of camel, and long people were nomadic hunters extinct species of bison. who traveled in They hunted with stone small bands. They camped knives and spears. when seasons Because artifacts were offered hunting, fishing, and fruit found near Folsom, this and nut gathering. early group of people is called the Folsom Culture.

Early Indians Native Americans Once Ruled! The Archaic Culture existed from about 5000 BC–AD 1. They hunted a greater variety of animals near what is known as Signal Butte today. They also gathered wild plants. A much later band, the Woodland Indians, were less nomadic. They made simple pottery and grew a few crops. With time, other groups of Indians migrated to Nebraska. Their cultures were more civilized. They grew maize and beans. Their homes were large earthen lodges. Villages were established, and when it was necessary, they would go out to hunt bison as an additional source of food.

Word Definition

Early Indians

WAMPUM: beads, pierced and strung, used by Indians as money or for ornaments

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Exploration

Land Ho! In 1541, Francisco

Vásquez de Coronado claimed for Spain the territory that included Kansas and Nebraska. More than onehundred years later this same land was claimed by René Exploration

Robert Cavalier, Sieur de LaSalle for France. With the end of the

French and Indian War, France gave this territory to the Spanish. In 1800, Spain ceded it back to France. When The Louisiana Purchase of 1803, which included Nebraska, is considered one of the best real estate deals in history—all the land west of the Mississippi for only $15 million!

the U.S. government finalized the Louisiana Purchase, Nebraska was finally in the hands of the Americans.

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Colonization

Home, Sweet Home The earliest people moving into the Nebraska Territory were fur traders. Some of them set up trading posts where they traded with the Indians or other trappers. The U.S. government decided to build a string of forts along the Missouri River to protect their land. Fort Atkinson was built in 1819. It became the site for the first school, farm, library, sawmill, Colonization and hospital in Nebraska. The fort was abandoned eight years later when troops were moved south. In the 1840s, wagon trains of settlers moved through the territory but few stayed on because the government had declared Nebraska Indian land. In 1854, Nebraska became an official territory. Many Indian tribes ceded their land to the Settlers going west government and more settlers would travel along the Oregon Trail moved there. With the which passed Homestead Act of 1862, through the Platte pioneers came to Nebraska. Valley in The promise of 160 acres Nebraska. (65 hectares) for farming was an attractive lure to the settlers.

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Corn

Give it Up for Corn! (Popcorn that is!)

Corn

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Nebraska’s chief crop is corn. Most of the corn raised is feed corn for the state’s livestock. It is raised in eastern sections of the state, and where the land is irrigated in the central section. It is kept in storage pens at harvest time and from there transported to where it can be used for feed. Corn is used to nourish cattle, calves, pigs, and chickens. Nebraska ranks first or second annually in the nation for its production of popcorn. Even the University of Nebraska’s famous football team, The Cornhuskers, have proudly adopted the name!

Legends and Lore

The Origins of the Rodeo! It was not long ago that every little town and hamlet in the West had its own bucking contest. As the range began to disappear and the days of the “Old West” became memories, cowboys, who don’t give up easily, began to organize bucking contests. With time, some were centrally located so more folks could participate. Contestants would come from far distances to compete. In Kearney, Nebraska, such a carnival was called “Frontier Round-Up.” Each show had a slogan and the contests varied from bulldoggin’ to buckin’ broncos and other events. What eventually emerged out of all of this was the RODEO! To this day the rodeo is a real thrill for all cowpokes young and old alike!

Legends and Lore

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Wagon Trains, Westward HO! As part of the “Great Migration” westward, wagon trains were formed that were directed by an experienced guide who knew the trail and the dangers. Upon reaching Fort Kearny, the real trek to the West would begin. Over 500,000 people traveled across Nebraska in their covered wagons. The Oregon Trail provided the way, and in Nebraska it was referred to as the “Great Platte River Road.” To travel 15–20 miles (24–32 kilometers) in one day would be quite Wagon Trains, an accomplishment. Storms, broken wagon Westward axles, and other accidents could hold the train HO! up for hours or days. Indian attacks along the trail were actually rare. The pioneers were heavily armed, and the Native Americans were more interested in gaining a few head of cattle than in harming the emigrants. Nebraska provided the easier part of the trip. Once the trail reached the Rockies it became Brigham Young led a group of very treacherous. Mormons along the northern side of the Platte River on their way to Salt Lake City, Utah. This was called The Mormon Trail.

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Slaves and Slavery In 1855, there were only 13 slaves in Nebraska. Yet the question of slavery in Nebraska set off a controversy that hurled the Nation into a civil war. By the mid-1850s settlers moving to the territories were bringing slaves with them, but the Missouri Compromise had outlawed slavery in Nebraska. A controversial new law—the Kansas-Nebraska Act—gave the territory “popular sovereignty,” the right to decide the question of slavery by popular vote. In Nebraska the people never voted to allow slavery, but fights between Slaves and slave owners and abolitionists broke out. Slavery A western branch of the Underground Railroad ran through Falls City, Little Nemaha, Camp Creek, and Nebraska City. In 1858 a young slave girl named Eliza escaped from her master in Nebraska City and fled on the Underground Railroad to Chicago. Just before her master found her the Railroad “conductors” helped her escape to freedom in Canada!

Word Definition

ABOLITIONIST: person who believed slavery was wrong and should be ended

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The Civil War

The Civil War was fought between the American states. The argument was over states’ rights to make their own decisions, including whether or not to own slaves. Some of the southern states began to secede (leave) the Union. They formed The Civil War the Confederate States of America. Although Nebraska was far from the fighting, more than 3,000 men went to fight on the side of the Union Army. This is quite remarkable considering the small population of the territory at that time.

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Word Definition

RECONSTRUCTION: the recovery and rebuilding period following the Civil War

The Civil War

In 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation, given by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, freed the slaves still under Confederate control. Some slaves became sharecroppers; others went to Northern states to work in factories.

The Civil War was also called the War Between the States. Soldiers often found themselves fighting against former friends and neighbors, even brother against brother. Those who did survive often went home without an arm, leg, or both, since amputation was the “cure” for most battlefield wounds. More Americans were killed during the Civil War than during World Wars I and II together!

The Civil War

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Famous Documents

Get It In Writing! 1776 Declaration of Independence 1789 U.S. Constitution 1854 Kansas-Nebraska Act Famous Documents

1862 Homestead Act 1875 Nebraska State Constitution 1902 Reclamation Act 1904 Kinkaid Act 1982 Family Farm Preservation Act

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Immigrants

Welcome To America! People have come to Nebraska from other states and many other countries on almost every continent! As time goes by, Nebraska’s population grows more diverse. This means that people of different races and from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds have moved to Nebraska.

Immigrants

In the past, many immigrants have come to Nebraska from Germany, Scandinavia, Ireland, and Czechoslovakia. More recently, people have migrated to Nebraska from Hispanic countries such as Mexico. Only a certain number of immigrants are allowed to move to America each year. Many of these immigrants eventually become U.S. citizens.

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Disasters & Catastrophes!

1874-77 State crops are devastated by grasshoppers

1890s

Drought causes damage to Nebraska crops

1918

Eighty-five University of Nebraska students die from Spanish influenza Disasters & Catastrophes!

1930s

Dust-bowl conditions destroy farms

1935

Republican River floods killing 200 people and ruining farms

1950 Little Dust Bowl; drought occurs creating dust bowl effects in Nebraska

1989

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Molasses flood happens when a million-gallon (3,785,400-liter) tank explodes in Gearing

Legal Stuff

1803 Nebraska is acquired by the U.S. through the Louisiana Purchase

1854 Nebraska officially becomes a territory

1867

Territory of Nebraska becomes a state

1885

Legal Stuff

Arbor Day is declared a legal holiday

1933

State stops mortgage foreclosures during the Great Depression

1934

One-house legislature is adopted

1982

Nebraska forbids the sale of farms to out-of-state corporations

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Women of the West First Woman Mayor Helen Boosalis was the first woman mayor of Lincoln and the first female president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Medicine Women of the West

Anna Marie Griffith was the first woman to complete her medical training at Creighton University.

Flying Evelyn Genevieve Sharp was Nebraska’s best known aviatrix. She was also the first woman pilot in the U.S.

Rear Admiral Karen A. Harmeyer, an Omaha-trained nurse, was named rear admiral in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

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Wars

Fight! Fight! Fight! Wars that impacted Nebraska include: ● French and Indian War ● Civil War ● Spanish-American War ● World War I ● World War II ● Korean War ● Vietnam War

Wars

● Persian Gulf War

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Ears to you! Cornhuskers!

Ears to you! Cornhuskers!

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The start of football season causes Nebraska to cheer on their favorite team, the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers! Memorial Stadium in Lincoln is filled with crowds cheering “Go Big Red!” The Cornhuskers have been fantastic in college football over the years. They have finished as one of the top ten teams in the nation repeatedly. The loyalty of their fans is phenomenal! Tickets to their games are often willed to the next generation members. Some 70,000 fans turn out for each home game. The Cornhuskers are a power to be reckoned with! The state nickname was even changed to Cornhuskers from Treeplanters to honor the team!

Indian Tribes Arapaho Cheyenne Missouri Omaha

Oto Pawnee Onca Sioux

Many of the tribes found in Western Nebraska had moved there from other parts of the nation. They had been run-off their land by other tribes or by the coming of Europeans. The Sioux, Arapaho, and Cheyenne were nomadic hunters who hunted buffalo on the plains. They did not Indian settle into permanent Tribes villages. The Pawnee, Ponca, Onca, Oto, Omaha, and Missouri Indians did live in villages in earthThe Pawnee and and bark-covered lodges. They the Sioux tribes get always did not grew corn and other vegetables. along with each of Some other. They carried tepees with them the Pawnee scouts as enlisted when they hunted buffalo. in the U.S. Army’s battles against the Sioux.

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Explorers and Settlers

Here, There, Everywhere! Francisco Vásquez de Coronado was one of the earliest explorers in this region of the New World. He claimed the territory for Spain in 1541. Rene Robert Cavalier, Sieur de LaSalle claimed it in the 1600s for France. Étienne Veniard de Bourgmont explored the Missouri River to the mouth of the Platte River in 1714. Pierre and Paul Mallet crossed the region from 1739–1740. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark explored the eastern edge of Nebraska and in 1804 engaged in one of only two battles with Native Americans experienced on their cross country exploraton. Lieutenant Zebulon Pike also traveled through Explorers southern Nebraska meeting with Indians. and Settlers Lieutenant John C. Frémont, the Pathfinder, explored the area from 1842–1844. Ramsay Crooks and Robert McClellan, fur traders, built a fur-trading post on the bank of the Missouri River in 1809.

N

Bon Voyage!

E

W

S 54

State Founders

Founding Fathers J. Sterling Morton—settled in Nebraska territory in 1854; ”Father of Arbor Day” Michael Cudahy—Irish born businessman; founded Cudahy Packing Company; helped make Omaha a major meatpacking center William Jennings Bryan—moved to Omaha in 1887; editor of an Omaha newspaper and lawyer; ran for president of the U.S. three times; greatest orator of his time Edward Creighton—businessman; helped build the telegraph line from Omaha to Sacramento; opened up the West to communication

Founding Mothers

State Founders

Susette La Flesche—daughter of an Omaha tribe leader; campaigned for fair treatment of Native Americans Grace Abbott—social reformer; head of Immigrants’ Protective League; chief of U.S. Children’s Bureau Alice Fletcher—member of the Archaeological Institute of America; visited the Omaha and Winnebago tribes; on their behalf went to Washington to draft legislation to apportion tribal lands to individual members of the tribe

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Famous African-Americans Malcolm Little was born in Omaha in 1925. Upon becoming a member of the Black Muslims in 1946, he changed his name to Malcolm X. He was the vocal spokesman for the Nation of Islam. In 1964, he renounced the Nation of Islam and took the Arabic name El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. In 1965, he was assassinated by alleged members of the Black Muslims while addressing a rally in New York City. Benjamin “Pap” Singleton, a former slave from Tennessee, encouraged the movement of black settlers out west by distributing flyers describing the opportunities of moving to Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska. Hundreds of African-Americans headed west. Some founded towns of their Famous own and others settled in cities. AfricanAmericans

Buffalo Soldiers were African-American troops who served on the plains. They were called Buffalo Soldiers by the Indians because of their bravery and curly hair. In the 1880s, companies were stationed at Fort Robinson and Fort Niobrara, Nebraska.

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Ghosts Hat Creek There have been many reports of phantom Cheyenne Indians whispering and creeping through the grass. They appear in a mist of green.

Lake Street Park The ghost of an elderly man appears at the park. He is surrounded by a blue mist.

Omaha In the O’Hanlon House a skeleton is buried in the basement. The skeleton was found when repairs were being done to the house. The sounds of stomping feet and pounding at the front door have been heard. The walls have also been known to shake!

Ghosts

Lincoln

D O Y

O

U

The State Capitol Building is believed to be haunted by more than one ghost. There is supposed to be the ghost of a Native American, the ghost of a man who fell while fixing the lights, and the ghost of a man who fell while leaning over a rail.

B ELIEVE

IN

G H O S T S?

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Sports Stuff Maximilian Adelbert Baer—boxer; world heavyweight champion 1934–1935 Robert Gibson—professional baseball player; pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals; admitted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981 Darin Erstad—former Nebraska football kicker; has played major league baseball UNO Lady Mavs—women’s volleyball team; won the national championship in NCAA Division II in 1996 Merlene Ottey—University of Nebraska sprinter; won silver medals while running for Jamaica in the 10-meter and 200-meter dashes in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics

Sports Stuff

Kari Uppinghouse—first Cornhusker to earn first-team All-American honors in women’s soccer

Fletcher “Duke” Slater—grand old man of Omaha tennis; played a competitive game until he was almost 90 years old Jason Parker—graduated from Omaha Bryan High School; Army marksman; won world airrifle championship in 1998 at Munich

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Vince Ferragamo—Nebraska quarterback; completed 145 passes in 1976 season; most passes ever by a Cornhusker

Entertainers

F r e d A s t a i r e —dancer and actor; known for the sophistication of his graceful dancing; appeared in more than 35 films M a r l o n B r a n d o —actor; won the Academy Award for best actor in On the Waterfront and The Godfather J o h n n y C a r s o n —entertainer; host of NBC’s Tonight Show D i c k C a v e t t —interviewer and author; host of a number of television talk shows S a n d y D e n n i s —actress; won Academy Award in 1966 for best supporting actress in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf Entertainers H e n r y F o n d a —actor; made more than 80 films; won an Academy Award for best actor in On Golden Pond H a r o l d C l a y t o n L l o y d —comic actor; appeared in more than 300 silent films; writer and producer R o b e r t Ta y l o r —actor; appeared in Quo Vadis and Magnificent Obsession S w o o s i e K u r t z —Tony Award-winning actress; starred in television series “Sisters” I n g a S w e n s o n —actress; regular on TV series Benson

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Authors ✒ Francis La Flesche—worked for Native American rights; noted scholar and writer on Native American culture ✒Louise Pound—writer and collector of folk tales; taught at the University of Nebraska for more than 50 years ✒Mari Sandoz—writer of both fiction and history; wrote about Western themes; wrote biography about Sioux leader Crazy Horse ✒Wright Morris—novelist and photographer; won National Book Award for Field of Vision ✒Loren Eiseley—writer and educator; focused on the relationship between science and human behavior

Authors

✒Bess Aldrich—short story writer and novelist; wrote novels with Nebraska as the setting

✒Willa Sibert Cather—wrote novels about pioneer life; received the 1923 Pulitzer Prize for One of Ours; also wrote My Antonia and O! Pioneers Cliff Hillegass from Lincoln wrote the popular educational aids called Cliff’s Notes.

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✒John Neihardt—poet and author; named Poet Laureate of Nebraska; known for Black Elk Speaks, a biography about a Sioux medicine man

Artists John Lajba—artist; created six bronze figures for the WWII 50th anniversary Memorial in Heartland of America Park Gutzon Borglum—sculptor; designed the Mount Rushmore National monument in South Dakota; grew up in Omaha and Fremont Allan Tubech—artist; has 450 of his landscapes in collections nationwide George Catlin—artist; did drawings and paintings of Nebraska Indians from 1831–1832 Elizabeth H. Dolan and Augustus V. Tack—chief painters of original murals in the state capitol; Dolan also did stainedglass windows at Tiffany’s

Artists

Robert Hansen—artist; has work on display in Europe and in Latin America Robert Henri—founder of the Ash Can School of Painting Julian Billings—artist; designed the five-cent Nebraska centennial postage stamp issued in 1967 RIDDLE? What did the artist say to the group of school children?

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ANSWER: You are the “young at ART!”

Very Important People Rollie, Will, and Joyce Hall—founded Hallmark cards Mannheim Steamroller— Omaha based musical group; provides one of the best Christmas performances in the country George Wells Beadle—scientist and educator; in 1958 shared Nobel Prize in physiology

Very Important People

William “Buffalo Bill” Cody— frontiersman; scout; Pony Express Rider; showman; considered the “granddaddy of all American rodeos;” organized Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show; toured U.S. and Europe

Darryl Zanuck—film producer; co-founder of 20th Century Fox Studios; produced such films as The Sound of Music and Patton Red Cloud—Oglala Sioux leader; one of the few Native American leaders to win a war against the U.S. Army

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More Very Important People Edward Joseph Flanagan—ordained Roman Catholic priest; founded Workingmen’s Hotel for the homeless; founded Father Flanagan’s Home for Boys in Omaha, a school for troubled and neglected boys; it became known as Boys Town Anna Louise Strong—child welfare worker; journalist; author of Songs of the City, Children of the Revolution, and One Fifth of Mankind Dull Knife and Little Wolf—northern Cheyenne war leaders; refused to accept resettlement to Indian Territory; Dull Knife eventually More Very Important surrendered at Fort Robinson where his People people were held without food, water, and heat General Henry Atkinson— built Fort Atkinson, the earliest frontier military post west of the Missouri River, in a location suggested by Lewis and Clark

More than 1,000 soldiers were stationed at Fort Atkinson at any given time.

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Political Leaders Gerald R. Ford—born in Omaha; served in the House of Representatives; in 1973 appointed vice president; upon the resignation of Richard Nixon in 1974, he became president of the U.S.; first Nebraskan in the White House; lost election in 1976 to Jimmy Carter Robert Kerrey—won Congressional Medal of Honor for service in Vietnam; Nebraska governor from 1982–1987; elected to Senate in 1988; lost the Democratic presidential nomination in 1992 George W. Norris—represented Nebraska in the U.S. House 1902-1912 and the Political U. S. Senate 1913–1943; responsible for Leaders much important legislation during his political career Samuel Roy McKelvie—politician; publisher; governor of Nebraska 1919-1923 J. Sterling Morton—politician; conservationist; secretary and later governor of Nebraska Territory 1858–1861; U.S. secretary of agriculture 1893–1897; founder of Arbor Day in 1872

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The Sioux The Sioux Indians roamed the plains for over a hundred years hunting buffalo. The herds were scattered by wagon trains heading west. The Indians depended upon the buffalo for survival. The Indians did not attack the wagon trains at first. It was only when white soldiers began to commit cruelties against the Indians that the bloodshed began. One of the great leaders of the Sioux was Red Cloud. He tried to get the white soldiers to close the trail that ran directly through buffalo territory. The soldiers would not agree to this. The Bozeman Trail became known as the Bloody Bozeman. In 1866, Red Cloud staged a raid to get the Army to send out reinforcements. Captain William J. Fetterman and 80 soldiers raced out to put down the attack. The Indians were successful in defeating the soldiers. Finally The Sioux in 1868, the government abandoned the Bozeman Trail. With the numbers of buffalo dwindling, things worsened for the Sioux. Red Cloud became an Indian rights advocate trying to Sportsmen get justice for traveling west the Sioux. often killed buffalo just for entertainment, leaving carcasses to rot on the plains.

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Churches and Schools

Keeping the Faith Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Omaha—built in 1902; Gothic revival structure Saint John’s Lutheran Church, Lyons—built in 1902 by German immigrants who settled in the area; German folk detailing Presbyterian Church, Omaha—oldest church in state; built from rubble and stucco in 1856 Trinity Cathedral, Omaha—Gothic revival built in 1883; interior wood carving and bronze relief work Saint John’s African Methodist Episcopal Church, Omaha—prairie-style structure built in 1921 Calvin Memorial Presbyterian Church, Omaha— Classic Revival structure; built in 1910

SCHOOLS University of Nebraska, Lincoln Clarkson College of Nursing, Omaha Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln Union College, Lincoln Kearney State College Peru State College Concordia Teachers College, Seward College of St. Mary, Omaha

Churches and Schools

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Historic Sites and Parks Mormon Pioneer Cemetery, Omaha—gravesites of nearly 600 Mormons who died during the harsh winter conditions of 1846–1847 Pony Express Station, Gothenburg—restoration of one of the stops along the Pony Express route; surrounded by a municipal park Pike-Pawnee National Landmark, Guide Rock—site of large Pawnee village; visited by Zebulon Pike in 1806 Strategic Air Command Museum, Bellevue—displays and shows about the Strategic Air Command Neligh Mills Historic Site—earliest grist mill in Nebraska; built in 1821 Freedom Park, Omaha—USS Hazard, a WWII navy minesweep, and the USS Marlin, a target submarine, are berthed at the park Starke Barn, Red Cloud—largest circular-frame barn in the nation; built in 1902; three stories held together without nails, spikes, or pegs

Historic Sites and Parks

Carhenge, Alliance—old cars used to create the effects of Stonehenge

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Home, Sweet Home!

✮ Historical Homes

Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, North Platte—home of showman Buffalo Bill Cody; rodeos are staged during the summer months Ferguson House, Lincoln—1910 mansion; owned by businessman William Henry Ferguson; now a museum

✮

Norris Home, McCook— home of Senator George Norris; chief advocate of unicameral state legislature

William Jennings Bryan Home, Lincoln—residence of famous orator, lawyer, politician, and three-time presidential candidate Willa Cather House, Red Cloud—home of famous novelist; her home is described in many of her books William Stoley Homestead, Grand Island—home of the German leader who founded Grand Island; Home, log portion of the house was built in 1859 Sweet Home!

Wildwood Period House, Nebraska City—a Gothic Revival country home; built for Jasper Ware in 1869

Boys Town, Omaha—Father Flanagan’s home; originally started to provide a residence for boys from the juvenile probation system of Omaha schools; the number of boys grew so high that Father Flanagan moved them to the outskirts of Omaha in 1921 to a farm he had purchased

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✮

Forts ● Fort Atkinson State Historical Park,

Omaha—reconstruction of first military outpost of the west built in 1820 ●

Fort Hartstuff State Historical Park, Elyria—restoration of fort built in 1874; offered protection to the Pawnee Indians from the Sioux ● Fort Kearny State Historical Park, near Kearney—stockade, blacksmith shop, and other structures re-created from original fort ● Fort Robinson State Park and Museum, Crawford—historic fort; used as a museum; buildings constructed in 1800s and 1900s ●

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Sand Hills—1879 fort; established to to keep peace between the settlers and the Sioux

Forts

●

Fort Omaha—built in 1878; frontier outpost; used to supply troops; protect settlers, the railroad, and the telegraph during the Indian Wars 69

Libraries Check out the following special Nebraska libraries! (Do you have a library card? Have you worn it out yet?!) University of Nebraska Library, Lincoln—state’s largest library City Library, Lincoln Nebraska State Historical Library, Lincoln Omaha Public Library Creighton University Library, Omaha Libraries

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Fort Atkinson had the first library in Nebraska. It was established in 1820. It was in use for eight years until the fort was abandoned.

Zoos and Attractions Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha—animals housed in outdoor habitats resembling their natural homes Folsom Children’s Zoo, Lincoln—train ride available; petting zoo Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, Gretna—fish hatchery on the grounds Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, Bellevue—site of Bellevue fur-trading post; built in 1822 Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and Tree Trail, Nebraska City—grounds contain the home of Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day Belle of Bellevue, Missouri River—excursion boat offering family trips DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, Blair—attracts waterfowl in March and October

Zoos and Attractions

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Museums Nebraska State Historical Society University, Lincoln— largest of five museums operated by the state historical society Harold Warp’s Pioneer Village, Minden—collection of artifacts from the 1830s to the present Stuhr Museum of the Prairie, Grand Island—200-acre (81-hectare) compound; features pioneer and Native American memorabilia; railroad town has been re-created on the grounds Plainsman Museum, Aurora—murals and mosaics of a buffalo hunt; 1859 log cabin with pioneer tools and furnishings Museum of Nebraska History, Lincoln—provides a timeline of settlement in Nebraska from prehistoric times to the 1950s Sarpy County Historical Museum, Omaha—Indian artifacts; items from Peter Sarpy’s 1830s trading post

Museums

Union Pacific Museum, Omaha—history of the railroad exhibits; demonstrates the role of the railroad in western expansion

Great Plains Black Museum, Omaha—presents the experiences of the African-American settlement on the plains; explains the role of black soldiers in the frontier military

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Monuments

Homestead National Monument, Beatrice— honors an early homestead claim made by Daniel Freeman in 1863; living-history displays depict pioneer life Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Harrison—site of prehistoric fossils; one of the richest finds in the U.S. Massacre Canyon Monument, Trenton—marks the site of the last clash between the Pawnee and the Sioux Indians; granite monument

Monuments

Pike-Pawnee National Landmark, Guide Rock—marks the site of where Zebulon Pike visited a Pawnee village in 1806

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The Arts Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha—ancient American Indian artifacts to contemporary art Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery and the Christlieb Western Art Collection, Lincoln—both at the University of Nebraska campus; large art collections Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA), Kearney— twelve exhibit galleries; housed in an old elegant post office; sculpture garden in the back Willow Point Gallery, Ashland—features art work of Gene Ronka; has natural habitats of various animals on display

The Arts

Oregon Trail Museum, Sand Hills— reproductions of watercolors and sketches by William Henry Jackson, To be, or not to be involved in photographer and artist of the arts—that is the mid-1800s the question. What is your answer?

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The Pony Express Pony Express Riders began riding in 1860. They traveled a route between St. Joseph, Missouri, and San Francisco, California, carrying the mail. A rider had to travel 75–100 miles (121–161 kilometers) without stopping except to change horses. The pay was $50 a month along with room and board. Young men, 18–20 years old, were wanted who weighed no more than 125 pounds (56 kilograms). They had to be loyal and fearless and able to face the dangers along the trail. The Pony Express only lasted 18 months. It was put out of business by the transcontinental telegraph. William Cody rode for a short time for the Pony Express when he was a young man.

The Pony Express

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Roads, Bridges, and More!

ROADS

Lincoln Highway (Highway 30), stretches from Omaha to Bushnell across the state Beaver Road, north of Hay Springs—located in Beaver Valley along an escarpment called Beaver Wall; breathtaking views; spectacular drive

BRIDGES Niobrara’s bridge, between Nebraska and South Dakota—new $18 million bridge; crosses the Missouri River and saves 85-miles (137 kilometers) of travel distance Covered bridge, Cook—only covered bridge in Nebraska

Roads, Bridges, and More!

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MORE Oregon Trail Wagon Train, Bayard—Oregon Trail Road off highway 92; traces part of the original trail, relive pioneer life in a covered wagon Soldier Creek Wilderness Area, Fort Robinson State Park—wonderful biking trails

Concealing Caves! John Brown’s Cave, Nebraska City—western most branch of the Underground Railroad; man-made cave dug under oldest standing cabin in the state; built in 1851; the cave has a tunnel exit that leads to South Table Creek; slaves would leave by this route to continue their trip north Robber’s Cave, Macy—river pirates hid here prior to ambushing boats and stealing furs and other goods; believed to have been the hideout of Jesse and Frank James after running from the raid on the Northfield Minnesota Bank

Concealing Caves!

Indian Cave State Park, Shubert—large sandstone cave; only known Indian petroglyphs in Nebraska

Word PETROGLYPHS: prehistoric drawings done on rock Definition

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Animals

Some of Nebraska’s Animals include: Elk White-tailed deer Prairie dog Opossum Jackrabbit Buffalo Coyote Raccoon Squirrel Skunk Fox

Animals

Bison is another word for buffalo. More than 60 million buffalo once roamed over the Great Plains. In 1885, only about 75 remained alive. Today, Nebraska’s buffalo are kept in captive herds to protect them from becoming extinct.

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Wildlife Watch

Take a Walk on the Wild Side! Some endangered Nebraska animals are: American burying beetle Whooping crane Eskimo curlew Bald eagle Black-footed ferret Piping plover Topeka shiner Pallid sturgeon Least tern

The tiny least tern has a yellow bill and a white forehead. Their length is about 8.5 inches (22 centimeters).

Wildlife Watch

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Birds You may spy these

birds in Nebraska:

Duck Goose Pheasant Quail Wild turkey Sandhill crane Hummingbird Barn swallow Northern mockingbird Downy woodpecker Common barn-owl

Birds

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A hummingbird’s wings beat 75 times a second— so fast that you only see a blur! They make short squeaky sounds, but do not sing.

Insects

Don’t let these Nebraska bugs bug you! Whirligig beetle Codling moth Cabbage butterfly Cinch bug Walkingstick Katydid

Viceroy Butterfly

Treehopper

Ladybug

Grasshopper Honeybee Do we know any of these bugs?

Maybe... Hey, that ladybug is cute!

Whirligig beetles have two pairs of eyes—one pair looks above the water, the other under it!

Insects

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Fish SWIMMING IN NEBRASKA’S WATERS: Crappie Perch Pike Catfish Bullhead Bass Bluegill Trout Carp Walleye

Fish

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Pond Critters IN NEBRASKA’S PONDS, YOU MAY FIND:

Giant water bug Minnow Painted turtle Bull frog Muskrat Crayfish Mussel

Muskrats live in family groups along rivers. They burrow into riverbanks to make lodges. Muskrats eat water plants, frogs, mussels, and small fish.

Pond Critters

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Nebraska Rocks! Toadstool Park, Ogallala—many unusually shaped rock formations Chimney Rock National Historic Site, Bayard— rock formation rises 500 feet (152 meters) above the North Platte River Scotts Bluff National Monument, Sand Hills— rock formation rises 800 feet (244 meters) above the plains; 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) of mid-grass prairie; named for Hiram Scott, a fur company clerk thought to have died there around 1828 Ionia Volcano, New Castle—decomposition of iron pyrite beds on a bluff created what looked like a volcano; Lewis and Clark recorded it as a volcano; little remains of volcano but there are wonderful views of Nebraska, South Sioux Lookout is a Dakota, and Iowa Nebraska Rocks!

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high hill located near North Platte. It was used by the Native Americans to scout for intruders coming into Indian territory.

I like a bluff with a view!

Trees These trees tower over Nebraska: COTTONWOOD AMERICAN SYCAMORE GREEN ASH AMERICAN ELM CEDAR WALNUT BOX ELDER PONDEROSA PINE PEACHLEAF WILLOW OAK

Trees

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Wildflowers ut these o ab Ar e you crazy wildflowers?

Nebraska

Phlox Spiderwort Poppy Goldenrod Wild rose Columbine Blue flag Sunflower Larkspur Violet Butter-and-eggs

Wildflowers

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Do you ever think you would eat butterand-eggs for a sore throat? Early settlers used this beautiful yellow and orange flower to make a medicine that soothed a scratchy throat!

Flower Power!

Cream of the Crops Agricultural products from Nebraska: Oats Alfalfa Rye Safflower Beans

Wheat Beef

Potatoes

Sheep Corn

Soybeans

Hogs Grapes

Sugar Beets

Cream of the Crops

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First/Big/Small/Etc. During WWII, the Naval Ammunition Depot in Hastings was the largest ammunition plant in the U.S. Lied Jungle in Omaha is the world’s largest indoor rain forest. The Reuben sandwich originated in Nebraska. Nebraska has more miles of river than all of the other 50 states. Nebraska is the only state that has a unicameral legislature. The emergency system of communication, 911, was first developed and used in Lincoln, Nebraska. The world’s largest porch swing is located in Hebron, Nebraska. It seats 25 adults. The Halsey National Forest, the largest hand-painted forest in the world, is located near Thedford, Nebraska. Buffalo Bill Cody’s first rodeo was held in North Platte on July 4, 1882. Weeping Water has the largest limestone deposit in the country. First/Big/ Small/Etc.

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The only museum in the world dedicated to fur trading is located at Fort Atkinson near Blair.

The state produces and uses the most center pivot irrigation in the country.

Festivals Wings over the Platte, Grand Island—Sandhill crane festival

Celeb

Nebraskaland Days, North Platte—PRCA rodeo with nationally known country music performers Indian Summer Rendezvous, Ogallala Heritage Days, McCook

rate!!!

Willa Cather Spring Festival, Red Cloud

Old West Weekend, Scottsbluff/Gering Greek Festival, Bridgeport Chimney Rock Pioneer Days, Bayard Nebraska’s Big Rodeo, Burwell Old West Days, Valentine Middle of Nowhere Days, Ainsworth Cottonwood Prairie Festival, Hastings Rockstock, Rockville—lobster feed

Festivals

Central Nebraska Ethnic Festival, Grand Island

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Holidays

Calendar Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, 3rd Monday in January

Groundhog Day, February 2

Presidents’ Day, 3rd Monday in February

Memorial Day, last Monday in May

Independence Day, July 4

Labor Day, 1st Monday in September

Columbus Day, 2nd Monday in October

Veterans Day, November 11

Thanksgiving, 4th Thursday in November

Holidays

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Arbor Day was a holiday established by a Nebraskan J. Sterling Morton and is celebrated in most states on his birthday April 22 in honor of Morton’s birth.

Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Vietnamese Tet, and Chinese New Year are all special celebrations in Nebraska.

Famous Food Nebraska is famous for...

the following foods! ●

Kaese Beroggi (Cottage Cheese Pockets)

●

Cabbage Rolls

●

●

Grebble (Fried Pastries)

Cherry Dumplings

●

Baked Round Steak with Dressing

●

Jellied Pork Hocks

●

Swiss Hard Cheese

●

German Coffee Cake

●

Danish Red Cabbage

●

Danish Apple Cake

●

Grated Cheese Potatoes

● Czech Kolaches

Yum, yum. This is great! Let’s dig in! Famous Food

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Business & Trade Nebraska Works! Nebraska has a diverse economy with several major industries involved in food processing. Dairy products, canned vegetables, flour, and sugar are all processed in the state. Nebraska provides the country with huge amounts of beef cattle and calves. The meat-packing industry is important in Omaha. The state ranks in the top ten for total farm sales in the U.S. Service industries provide the largest number of jobs in the state. Government, insurance, finance, and real estate provide employment for many Nebraskans. The world’s largest insurance company is located in Omaha. Lincoln is an important retail and wholesale center. The state’s economy depends a great deal on the success of the farmers. Most of Nebraska’s If agricultural production cattle are raised in the Sand Hills decreases, it effects other region of the state. areas of the economy. Beef cattle are For this reason, Nebraska’s most Nebraskans support important farm Business product. their farmers and look & Trade for new ways to help their economy grow.

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Nebraska Books & Websites My First Book About Nebraska by Carole Marsh America the Beautiful: Nebraska by Jim Hargrove Kids Learn America by Patricia Gordon and Reed C. Snow A Historical Album of Nebraska by Charles A. Wills Off the Beaten Path: Nebraska by Hannah McNally The Nebraska Experience Series by Carole Marsh

Cool Nebrask a Web sites htt

p://www.state.ne braska.us http://www.nebra skaexperience.co m http://www.50st ates.com http://www.nets tate.com

Nebraska Books & Websites

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Glossary

Nebraska

G LO S S A R Y W O R D S

Glossary

Glossary

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bluff: a high stiff bank or cliff homestead: a piece of land given by the U.S. government to a settler to develop as a farm hydroelectric: producing electricity by water power irrigation: to water by means of canals, ditches, pipes, or sprinklers maize: another name for corn perennial: refers to plants that live for more than one year; they grow back year after year poultry: fowl raised for food; chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese ridge: a range of hills or mountains sod: the top layer of the earth containing grass and roots unicameral: one house legislature

Spelling List

Nebraska Spelling Bee

SPELLING WORDS

Here are some special Nebraska-related words to learn! To take the Spelling Bee, have someone call out the words and you spell them aloud or write them on a piece of paper.

agriculture Atkinson buffalo Cheyenne communication cottonwood economy exploration goldenrod government

irrigation Lincoln meadowlark Missouri Nebraska Omaha Pawnee temperature tornado university Spelling List

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About the Author About the Author... CAROLE MARSH has been writing about Nebraska for more than 20 years. She is the author of the popular Nebraska State Stuff Series for young readers and creator along with her son, Michael Marsh, of Nebraska Facts and Factivities, a CD-ROM widely used in Nebraska schools. The author of more than 100 Nebraska books and other supplementary educational materials on the state, Marsh is currently working on a new collection of Nebraska materials for young people. Marsh correlates her Nebraska materials to the Nebraska learning standards. Many of her books and other materials have been inspired by or requested by Nebraska teachers and librarians. You know… that was a great experience!

Sure was! Thanks for taking me along.

EDItorial Assistant: About the Author

Jackie Clayton

GRAphic Designer: DEsigner: Graphic Lisa Stanley

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Good Uses For Your State Pocket Guide: Study for tests! Prepare reports! Find quick answers! Amaze your friends! Impress adults! Win trivia games! Get Smart and Have Fun!!

“This is the BEST, most thorough, most FUN little book about our state!”

The perfect reference guide for students in grades 3 and up—or anyone! This handy, easy-to-use guide is divided into 7 color-coded sections. Riddles, recipes and surprising facts make this guide a delight!

www.gallopade.com 1-800-536-2GET

Come with us—explore your state!

See you inside!

This small handheld computer is your guide within a guide! All through this book it will offer fascinating little facts about your state!