Nebraska is an Indian word meaning “broad, flat water,” and a study of the state’s underlying rock formations and fossil remains shows that much of the land was a seabed at one time. The seabed rose gradually and became a high plains area - home to pre-historic wildlife. At some point, a gigantic volcanic eruption buried the state in ash, killing the animal populations. From the ashes, buffalo, antelope and deer repopulated the area, providing sustenance for several Native American Indian tribes such as the Omaha, Ponca, Pawnee, Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapahoe. Robert Stuart pioneered the Oregon Trail across Nebraska in the early 1800s and the first permanent white settlement was established at Bellevue in 1823. Union Pacific began the trans-continental railroad at Omaha in 1865 and Nebraska became a state on March 1, 1867.

As the railroad grew and explorers blazed trails through the area, the remaining Indian tribes were relegated to reservations and the prime farming areas were taken by settlers. Early Nebraska farmers pioneered the agricultural industry, the base of the state’s strong economy today. Nebraska is a leading grain-producer with bumper crops of grain sorghum, corn and wheat. More varieties of valuable foraging grass grow here than in any other state. Sizable cattle and hog industries make Dakota City and Lexington among the nation’s largest meat-packing centers. To survive in the new millennium, Nebraska’s economic base has diversified to include manufacturing firms that produce electronic components, auto accessories, pharmaceuticals and mobile homes. Oil and natural gas was also discovered before 1950.

Lincoln is the capital of Nebraska and is located in the southeastern part of the state. It is the second largest city, next to Omaha, with a population of more than 225,000 people. (Omaha is home to almost 400,000.) The capital city is the transportation, finance, trade and manufacturing center of the surrounding farm region. The capitol building is a must-see destination with its beautiful marble mosaic floors and murals depicting the natural and social history of Nebraska’s Native American and Pioneer cultures. Visitors and residents alike enjoy Omaha’s Old Market, a charming mix of renovated shops and restaurants downtown, the world-class Henry Doorly Zoo and the Joslyn Art Museum.

Other attractions outside the metropolitan centers include the Agate Fossil Beds at Homestead, the Chimney Rock National Historic Site and the Strategic Air Command (SAC) Aerospace Museum near Ashland. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy fishing or canoeing on the scenic Niobrara River or mountain biking, hunting and stagecoach rides at Fort Robinson. Many famous people hail from Nebraska, such as Fred Astaire, Marlon Brando, Henry Fonda, Nick Nolte, Johnny Carson, Dick Cavett, former president Gerald R. Ford and Gale Sayers.