1. Nebraska's statehood day: On August 1, 1867, Nebraska officially became the 37th state in the United States. This day is celebrated as Statehood Day in Nebraska.

2. World-Herald newspaper's first edition: On August 1, 1885, the Omaha World-Herald newspaper published its first edition. This newspaper is one of the largest daily newspapers in Nebraska and has won several Pulitzer Prizes.

3. Morrill Act signed into law: On August 1, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act into law, which provided funding for the establishment of land-grant universities, such as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

4. Union Pacific Railroad begins construction: On August 1, 1864, construction of the Union Pacific Railroad began at Omaha, Nebraska. This railroad was a major contributor to the growth and development of Nebraska and the Western United States.

5. Nebraska legislature overrode the governor's veto: On August 1, 2011, the Nebraska legislature overrode the governor's veto and abolished the death penalty in the state. This made Nebraska the first conservative state in more than 40 years to abolish the death penalty. The decision was later reversed in a statewide referendum in 2016.