Nebraska State Facts
Nebraska is a midwestern state known for its farming, agricultural production, and natural attractions.
These include plains, sand dunes, towering rock formations, and more.
It’s the 16th largest state in the nation and has the 37th largest population.
Related: Nebraska State History
Quick Facts
Capital: Lincoln
Population: 2 million
Nickname: Cornhusker State
Key Cities: Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island
Major Industries: Military, financial services, transportation, agriculture
History
How did Nebraska get its name: The name “Nebraska” comes from the Oto Indian word “nebrathka,” meaning “flat water.” This name originally referred to Nebraska’s Platte River.
Date admitted to the Union: Friday, March 1, 1867
Geography
Size: 77,358 sq. miles
Lowest point: Missouri River at 840 ft.
Highest point: Johnson Township, Kimball County at 5,424 ft.
Counties: 93
Famous locations: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, Chimney Rock National Historic Site, Indian Cave State Park, Durham Museum, Sandhills
Famous Nebraskans
Warren Buffett- business magnate/billionaire
Gabrielle Union- actress
Hilary Swank- actress
Marlon Brando- actor
Gerald Ford– president
Fred Astaire- singer/dancer/actor
Fun Facts About Nebraska
The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha is home to the world’s largest indoor rainforest, the Lied Jungle. It covers 1.5 acres and eight stories.
You can find Malayan tapirs, capuchin monkeys, pygmy hippos, and many more exotic animals.
Kool-Aid was invented in Nebraska by a man named Edwin Perkins, who ran a mail-order business.
It was originally sold in glass bottles that often broke, so Perkins invented a powder instead, and Kool-Aid was born.
It’s also Nebraska’s official drink!
The 911 system of emergency communication that is now used across the United States was first developed and used in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Farms and ranches take up 92 percent of Nebraska’s total land area, and the state is one of the top five in the nation in agricultural output.
Its top five products are cattle and calves, corn, soybeans, hogs, and wheat.
Part of the historic Oregon Trail runs through Nebraska.
Visitors can hike about half a mile on the actual trail and visit Chimney Rock, the most often mentioned landmark in journal entries by pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail.
The largest porch swing in the world is located in Hebron, Nebraska. It can fit 25 adults!
