1. Nebraska Territory established: On July 2, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act, which included provisions for the creation of the Nebraska Territory. The territory officially came into existence on May 30, 1864.

2. First public park: On July 2, 1867, the Omaha City Council approved the creation of Omaha's first public park, Hanscom Park. The park was named after Andrew J. Hanscom, an early Omaha pioneer.

3. Record high temperature: On July 2, 1936, Minden, Nebraska recorded a temperature of 118°F (47.8°C), the highest temperature ever recorded in the state's history.

4. College World Series begins: The first College World Series began on July 2, 1947, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The series moved to Omaha, Nebraska in 1950 and has been held there ever since.

5. First African American mayor: On July 2, 1988, Emlen Tunnell was elected as the first African American mayor of tiny Marshalltown, Nebraska. Tunnell, a former professional football player and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, served as mayor until 1990.