1. On January 3, 1872, the first issue of the Omaha Herald was published. The newspaper went on to become one of the most widely read newspapers in Nebraska and covered many significant events in the state's history.

2. January 3, 1900, saw the grand opening of the Lincoln Grand Theatre, one of the largest theaters in downtown Lincoln. The theater was later renamed the State Theater and hosted many famous performers and events.

3. January 3, 1960, was the date of the first Nebraska State Spelling Bee. The winning student, Roger Marquardt, went on to represent Nebraska in the national spelling bee that year.

4. On January 3, 1966, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's first black football player, Clarence Swanson, was awarded a varsity letter. Swanson broke the color barrier in Nebraska football and paved the way for future minority athletes.

5. Finally, on January 3, 1987, the city of North Platte officially opened the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center, a museum dedicated to the history of the Union Pacific Railroad. The tower offers panoramic views of Bailey Yard, the world's largest railroad classification yard.