Nebraska - The Cornhusker State

About Nebraska

Nebraska, officially the State of Nebraska, is a landlocked state in the Great Plains region of the Midwestern United States. With nearly 2 million residents, it is known for its vast agricultural production, particularly corn and beef, earning its nickname "The Cornhusker State." Lincoln serves as the state capital, while Omaha is the largest city and economic center.

Nebraska's geography is dominated by the Great Plains, with gently rolling hills, prairies, and the unique Sand Hills region covering a quarter of the state. The state played a crucial role in westward expansion as part of the Oregon Trail, California Trail, and Mormon Trail, with landmarks like Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff serving as waypoints for pioneers. Today, Nebraska is a major agricultural powerhouse, producing more corn per acre than any other state and ranking first in commercial red meat production.

Agriculture & Economy

Nebraska's economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, with the state being one of America's top agricultural producers. The state leads the nation in commercial red meat production and is the third-largest producer of corn, soybeans, and grain sorghum. Nebraska's fertile soil and efficient farming practices have made it a cornerstone of American food production.

Beyond agriculture, Nebraska has diversified its economy significantly. Omaha serves as a major center for insurance, telecommunications, and transportation, home to five Fortune 500 companies including Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific Railroad, and Mutual of Omaha. The city is also known as the birthplace of the TV dinner, Reuben sandwich, and the 911 emergency system. Lincoln, the state capital, anchors government operations and is home to the University of Nebraska, a major research institution.

The state's strategic location has made it a transportation and logistics hub. Union Pacific Railroad, the largest railroad network in North America, is headquartered in Omaha. The state's central position and excellent infrastructure support numerous distribution centers and freight operations. Nebraska also has a growing tech sector, with companies like TD Ameritrade (now part of Charles Schwab) and PayPal maintaining significant operations in Omaha.

Pioneer Heritage & History

Nebraska's history is inextricably linked to westward expansion and the pioneer spirit. During the 1840s-1860s, hundreds of thousands of emigrants traveled through Nebraska on the Oregon Trail, California Trail, and Mormon Trail. Landmarks like Chimney Rock, Scotts Bluff, and Courthouse Rock served as crucial waypoints, and many of these sites are now preserved as national monuments and historic sites.

The Homestead Act of 1862 transformed Nebraska, offering 160 acres of free land to settlers willing to farm it for five years. The first homestead claim under this act was made by Daniel Freeman near Beatrice, Nebraska, on January 1, 1863. This site is now Homestead National Historical Park, commemorating the millions of homesteaders who settled the American West. The act brought waves of immigrants from Germany, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and Ireland, creating the diverse cultural heritage that defines Nebraska today.

Nebraska became the 37th state on March 1, 1867, just after the Civil War. The state capital was moved from Omaha to the newly founded Lancaster (renamed Lincoln after President Abraham Lincoln) in 1867. The transcontinental railroad, completed in 1869, ran through Nebraska, further accelerating settlement and economic development. The state's agricultural economy expanded rapidly with mechanized farming, irrigation projects, and the introduction of winter wheat and hybrid corn varieties.

Arbor Day & Environmental Legacy

Nebraska is the birthplace of Arbor Day, one of America's most enduring environmental traditions. J. Sterling Morton, a Nebraska newspaper editor and politician, proposed a tree-planting holiday in 1872 to encourage settlers to plant trees on the nearly treeless Great Plains. On the first Arbor Day, April 10, 1872, Nebraskans planted an estimated one million trees. The holiday spread across America and eventually worldwide, with Arbor Day now celebrated in dozens of countries.

Morton's vision transformed Nebraska's landscape. When pioneers first arrived, the state had few trees outside river valleys. Today, Nebraska has planted more trees than any other state, with tree-lined communities, windbreaks protecting farmland, and the National Arbor Day Foundation headquartered in Nebraska City. The state is home to Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, Morton's estate, which features 72 acres of diverse trees and gardens demonstrating the lasting impact of his environmental advocacy.

Nebraska continues this conservation legacy through modern environmental initiatives. The Platte River serves as a critical stopover for millions of migrating birds, including 80% of North America's sandhill cranes, which gather near Kearney each spring. Conservation efforts protect this vital habitat, making the annual crane migration one of the world's great wildlife spectacles. Nebraska also leads in center-pivot irrigation innovation, efficiently watering crops while managing precious groundwater resources from the Ogallala Aquifer.

College Football & Cultural Identity

Few states embrace college football with the passion of Nebraska. The University of Nebraska Cornhuskers football program is woven into the state's cultural identity. On game days, Memorial Stadium in Lincoln becomes Nebraska's third-largest city, with over 85,000 fans creating one of college football's most legendary home-field advantages. The stadium has sold out every single game since November 3, 1962—a streak spanning over 400 games and more than six decades, an NCAA record.

This football tradition reflects Nebraska's broader values of community, loyalty, and excellence. The Cornhuskers dominated college football in the 1990s, winning national championships in 1994, 1995, and 1997 under coach Tom Osborne, who is revered as a state icon. Osborne later served in the U.S. Congress and as Nebraska's athletic director. The program produced numerous NFL stars including Heisman Trophy winners Johnny Rodgers, Mike Rozier, and Eric Crouch.

Beyond football, Nebraska's cultural landscape includes vibrant arts scenes in Omaha and Lincoln, world-class museums like the Durham Museum and Joslyn Art Museum, and unique attractions like Carhenge (a replica of Stonehenge made from vintage cars) and the world's largest indoor rainforest at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. The state celebrates its diverse heritage through festivals honoring Czech, German, Irish, and other immigrant communities that shaped Nebraska's character.

Warren Buffett & Omaha's Business Legacy

Warren Buffett, one of the world's most successful investors and one of the wealthiest people on Earth, has lived in Omaha his entire life. Known as the "Oracle of Omaha," Buffett runs Berkshire Hathaway from a modest office building in downtown Omaha, managing a conglomerate worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Despite his immense wealth, Buffett still lives in the same house he bought in 1958 for $31,500, embodying the modest, practical values associated with the Midwest.

Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholder meeting in Omaha, held each May, is often called the "Woodstock of Capitalism." Tens of thousands of investors from around the world descend on Omaha to hear Buffett and his longtime business partner, the late Charlie Munger, discuss investing, business, and life. This event has put Omaha on the global financial map and contributed significantly to the city's economy and reputation as a center of business excellence.

Buffett's philanthropic legacy is equally significant. He has pledged to give away 99% of his wealth to charitable causes, primarily through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His sister, Doris Buffett, founded the Sunshine Lady Foundation in Omaha, and Warren has donated millions to Nebraska organizations, including the University of Nebraska and various Omaha charities. His commitment to his hometown exemplifies the strong community ties and civic responsibility that characterize Nebraska culture.

Major Cities

Counties

Nebraska has 93 counties. Major counties include:

Interesting Facts

Neighboring States