Nebraska (U.S. state)

From Citizendium
Revision as of 11:54, 29 March 2010 by imported>James F. Perry (add shaded relief map)
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This article is developing and not approved.
Main Article
Discussion
Related Articles  [?]
Bibliography  [?]
External Links  [?]
Citable Version  [?]
 
This editable Main Article is under development and subject to a disclaimer.
North mid west.jpg

Nebraska is a great plains state in the central United States of America. The name is derived from a Native American word meaning "flat water", referring to the Platte River, which flows across the state.

Known as the Cornhusker State, Nebraska is a major producer of agricultural products. The state bird is the Western Meadowlark, and the state flower the goldenrod.

Land

Physiography (land forms)

USGS shaded relief map of Nebraska

Rivers and drainage, lakes

Climate

Soil

Flora

History

Nebraska became a U.S. territory in 1854, with the seat of territorial government in Omaha. Nebraska became the 37th state to join the USA on March 1, 1867, when President Andrew Johnson signed its statehood bill. With statehood came a new capital, Lincoln, a tiny village formerly called Lancaster and renamed after the recently assassinated president.

The first state capitol building was completed in December 1868 just in time for the 1869 legislative session to be held in the new building.