1. In 1860, the first Pony Express riders arrived in Nebraska City on September 14, carrying mail from the East Coast to California. The Pony Express was a revolutionary mail delivery system that used relay stations and fast, skilled riders to transport letters and packages across the continental United States in just 10 days.

2. On September 14, 1918, the Nebraska State Fair was cancelled due to the ongoing World War I effort. The fair had been a popular annual event since 1868, but the war years brought many restrictions and sacrifices that affected all aspects of life, including entertainment and leisure activities.

3. In 1929, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln opened its new Memorial Stadium on September 14 with a football game against Nebraska Wesleyan. The stadium, which still stands today, has a seating capacity of over 85,000 and is home to the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team.

4. On September 14, 1943, the small town of Minden in Kearney County experienced a devastating tornado that destroyed much of the town and killed 11 people. The tornado, which also caused significant damage to nearby farms and homes, was part of a larger outbreak of severe weather across the Great Plains.

5. In 1971, the Nebraska legislature declared September 14 to be Arbor Day in the state. Arbor Day is a holiday dedicated to planting and caring for trees, and Nebraska has a long history of promoting conservation and environmental stewardship. The state even has its own official tree, the cottonwood, which was designated in 1972.