Nebraska gets its name from an Indian word
meaning "flat water" after the Platte River that flows
through the state. The Nebraska Territory was formed in 1854 at
the same time as the Kansas Territory. Nebraska was admitted into
the Union in 1867 as the 37th state. Its nickname "Beef
State" refers to the cattle industry, which is one of
Nebraska's main industries. Its other nickname, the
"Cornhusker State," refers to the main grain used as
cattle feed. Omaha has been a major meatpacking center since the
1880s. Although Omaha was the territorial capital, Lincoln, named
in honor of the 16th president, is the state capital. The flower
is the goldenrod.
State Flower: Goldenrod
State Motto: Equality before the law
State Nickname: Cornhusker State; Beef State
State Bird: Western Meadowlark
Land area: 76,878 sq mi. - Length: 430 miles - Width: 210 miles
10 largest cities (1999 est.): Omaha, 386,742;
Lincoln, 215,928; Bellevue, 44,730; Grand Island, 41,950;
Kearney, 28,381; Fremont, 24,591; North Platte, 23,708; Norfolk,
23,164; Hastings, 21,263; Columbus, 20,678 - Persons per square mile (1999): 21.7