1. On August 18, 1920, Nebraska became the 34th state to ratify the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, granting women the right to vote. This was a historic moment in the fight for women's suffrage and paved the way for equal voting rights for all Americans.
2. The first ever Nebraska State Fair was held on August 18, 1868, in Nebraska City. The fair has since become an annual event and a beloved tradition for Nebraskans, featuring livestock exhibits, arts and crafts, carnival rides, and more.
3. On August 18, 1855, the Omaha Daily News was first published in Omaha. This was the city's first daily newspaper and played an important role in shaping local politics and culture.
4. The Willa Cather Foundation was established on August 18, 1955, in Red Cloud, Nebraska. The foundation is dedicated to preserving and promoting the work of Nebraska author Willa Cather and her contributions to American literature.
5. Nebraska native and Olympic gold medalist Rulon Gardner was born on August 18, 1971. Gardner famously won the gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, defeating favorite Alexander Karelin of Russia. He was also a bronze medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympics.