1. In 1804, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark held the first Independence Day celebration in Nebraska. On July 3 of that year, the two men and their expedition members camped near what is now Omaha and fired their guns in celebration of the upcoming holiday.

2. On July 3, 1861, Nebraska became the 37th state in the Union. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Nebraska Statehood Proclamation, officially recognizing the new state.

3. In 1871, a massive flood swept through Nebraska's Platte River Valley. The flood caused severe damage to crops and infrastructure and forced many residents to evacuate their homes. July 3 marked the peak of the flood, and it wasn't until several weeks later that the waters began to recede.

4. On July 3, 1908, the Lincoln High School football team played the first intercollegiate football game in Nebraska history. The game was played against Doane College and ended in a 0-0 tie.

5. In 1979, the city of Lincoln, Nebraska hosted the first annual Star City Parade on July 3. The event has since become a beloved local tradition, drawing thousands of spectators each year to watch floats, marching bands, and other festive attractions.