1. In 1862, the first Nebraska State Fair was held in Nebraska City. This event continues to be an annual tradition in the state, showcasing Nebraska’s agricultural heritage and providing entertainment and education for all ages.

2. In 1881, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was officially founded. It has since grown to become the largest university in the state, with over 25,000 students and a wide range of academic programs.

3. In 1928, Hattie McDaniel, an actress and singer born in Wichita, Kansas, made her first recorded performance in Omaha. She later went on to become the first African American actress to win an Academy Award, for her role as Mammy in the film “Gone with the Wind.”

4. In 1967, the Omaha Black Panther Party was founded, becoming the first chapter of the organization outside of California. The party was active in addressing issues such as police brutality, poverty, and racism, and played a major role in shaping the civil rights movement in Nebraska.

5. In 2011, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, a footbridge connecting Omaha, Nebraska, to Council Bluffs, Iowa, was officially opened. The bridge was named after former Nebraska governor and senator Bob Kerrey, and has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering stunning views of the Missouri River and downtown Omaha.