Nebraska ( The Cornhusker State ) Nebraska gets its name from an Indian word meaning "flat water" after the Platte River that flows through the state. It became the 37th state in 1867. Nebraska, once considered part of the American desert, is now a leading farming state. Nebraskans have practiced scientific farming to turn the Nebraska desert into a land of ranches and farms. Much of the history of the state is the story of the tough, strong-willed Nebraska farmer. In the 1860s, the first great wave of homesteaders poured into Nebraska to claim free land granted by the federal government. Many of the first farm settlers built their homes out of sod because they found so few trees on the grassy land. Tourists can now drive along highways that follow the historic Oregon and Mormon trails. Almost every county has a fair during the summer and many communities hold annual fall festivals. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Nebraska include: Malcolm X, James King, Marg Helgenberger, Montgomery Clift, The Flag of Nebraska Entered the Union in 1867 as the 37th State; flag adopted in 1925. Included in the State seal are the Rocky Mountains, the Missouri River, wheat and corn, a steamboat, a train, and a blacksmith with his hammer and anvil.   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Omaha, 390,007; Lincoln, 225,581; Bellevue, 44,382; Grand Island, 42,940; Kearney, 27,431; Fremont, 25,174; Hastings, 24,064; North Platte, 23,878; Norfolk, 23,516; Columbus, 20,971   Business and Trade in Nebraska Agriculture: Cattle, corn, hogs, soybeans, wheat, sorghum. Industries: Food processing, machinery, electric equipment, printing and publishing. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Western Meadowlark Flower: Goldenrod (solidago) Tree: Eastern Cottonwood (populus deltoides) Song(s): Beautiful Nebraska Motto: Equality Before the Law Nebraska Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • Agate Fossil Beds National Monument - Harrison • Arcadia Diversion Dam - Farwell • Zorinsky Lake - Omaha • Hugh Butler Reservoir (Red Willow Dam and Medicine Creek Dam) - McCook • Sherman Reservoir - Loup City

Capital: Lincoln     Local Weather  Statehood: 1867-03-01  Population: 1,711,263 (22.3 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 77,353.73     Water 481.31     Land 76,872.41     Rank 15th Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, Wyoming   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use     Youth Risk Survey   Housing: In Nebraska, there are 722,668 housing units, averaging to 9.4 per sq mile.   Related Magazines:   Posters and Artwork Sunset in the Nebraska Territory Giclee Print 48" x 36" • Historic Stevens Creek Farm Near Lincoln, Nebraska Photographic Print 24" x 18" • Nebraska National Forest, the Largest Hand-Planted Forest in the U. S. Photographic Print 24" x 18" • Yellow and Red Apples Sit Side-By-Side in a Grocery Store in Nebraska Photographic Print 24" x 18" • The Interstate Between Omaha, Nebraska and Sioux City, Iowa Photographic Print 24" x 18" • Joslyn Residence, Omaha, Nebraska Art Print 17" x 11"