1. Nebraska Became a State

February 1, 1867, is a significant day in Nebraska history as it marks the day the state became the 37th member of the Union. President Andrew Johnson signed the bill that granted statehood to Nebraska, which had previously been a territory since 1854.

2. The First Nebraska State Capitol Building Burned Down

In 1881, the first Nebraska State Capitol building in Lincoln burned down on February 1. The fire broke out in the basement and quickly spread, eventually destroying the entire building. While no one was hurt, the fire destroyed many important documents and artifacts.

3. Nebraska Hosted the First-ever NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship

On February 1, 1963, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln hosted the first-ever NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship. The championship was held at the NU Coliseum, and the University of Oregon went home with the team title.

4. Nebraska's First Female State Senator Was Elected

In 1913, on February 1, Nebraska became one of the first states to grant women the right to vote. That same year, on November 3, 1913, Eva Bowring was elected as the first female state senator in Nebraska and the second in the United States.

5. The Nebraska Legislature Passed a Bill to Abolish the Death Penalty

On February 1, 2015, Nebraska lawmakers voted to repeal the death penalty, making Nebraska the first conservative state to abolish capital punishment in more than 40 years. The bill was vetoed by Governor Pete Ricketts, but the legislature overrode the veto, making it the law of the land.