1. Birth of Charles E. Bessey: February 16, 1845 was the birth date of Charles E. Bessey, a famous botanist and professor at the University of Nebraska. He contributed significantly to the study, growth, and preservation of Nebraska's flora.

2. Nebraska Becomes a State: On February 16, 1867, Nebraska became the 37th state in the United States. This was a significant milestone in the history of Nebraska as it marked the end of its territorial status and the beginning of statehood.

3. The Historic Logan Valley Incident: February 16, 1902 saw the infamous Logan Valley incident take place near Stromsburg, Nebraska. This incident was a major clash between farmers and ranchers as they fought over water access.

4. Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation: On February 16, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was approved by Congress, which declared freedom for slaves in all confederate states. This was a significant step towards the abolition of slavery in the United States.

5. University of Nebraska Founded: On February 16, 1869, the University of Nebraska was founded in Lincoln, Nebraska. It started as a land-grant university and has since developed into a major research institution that has contributed a lot to Nebraska's development.