Nebraska doesn't have an individual identification, but instead a diverse history. In the early 1700's its territory was part of the Kansas territory. The territory was passed back and forth between France, Spain, and England. The United Sates acquired the territory through the Louisiana Purchase, in 1803.
What would become the 37th State of the Union, in 1867, was originally inhabited by at least 15 Native American tribes. The tribes were as diverse as the well known Cheyenne, Arapahoe, and Comanche, to the lesser known Otoe, Missouri, and Iowa.
It is thought the name Nebraska came from either the Otoe word Ni Brasqe, or the Omaha tribes Ni Bthaska. Both words mean "flat river", referring to the Platte River which flows through the State.
A trip across the approximately 480 miles of Nebraska is a lesson in diversity. The extremes between the eastern, central, and western parts of the state are like traveling through different countries.
Entering from the east, through Douglas County, is population. Douglas County is Nebraska's most populated county covering 340 square miles with population density about 1401 people per square mile.
At the other extreme is Cherry County, in the north central part of the state. It is Nebraska's largest county, in area, covering 5,961 square miles, but having a population density of only about 1.03 persons per square mile. It is said there are more cattle in Cherry County than people.
Exiting Nebraska in the western part of the state through Scottsbluff County, the population density is about 50 people per square mile.
With the greatest percentage of population in eastern Nebraska, it's no surprise its urban commercial. There, industry dots the skyline, while in central and western Nebraska agriculture and ranching is the mainstay. Pickups and tractors are a way of life. In different areas open range laws are still in effect, the cowboy and his horse are a common site.
The railroad is prominent in both ends of the state, with the world's largest rail yard in North Platte located in the western third.
What would become the 37th State of the Union, in 1867, was originally inhabited by at least 15 Native American tribes. The tribes were as diverse as the well known Cheyenne, Arapahoe, and Comanche, to the lesser known Otoe, Missouri, and Iowa.
It is thought the name Nebraska came from either the Otoe word Ni Brasqe, or the Omaha tribes Ni Bthaska. Both words mean "flat river", referring to the Platte River which flows through the State.
A trip across the approximately 480 miles of Nebraska is a lesson in diversity. The extremes between the eastern, central, and western parts of the state are like traveling through different countries.
Entering from the east, through Douglas County, is population. Douglas County is Nebraska's most populated county covering 340 square miles with population density about 1401 people per square mile.
At the other extreme is Cherry County, in the north central part of the state. It is Nebraska's largest county, in area, covering 5,961 square miles, but having a population density of only about 1.03 persons per square mile. It is said there are more cattle in Cherry County than people.
Exiting Nebraska in the western part of the state through Scottsbluff County, the population density is about 50 people per square mile.
With the greatest percentage of population in eastern Nebraska, it's no surprise its urban commercial. There, industry dots the skyline, while in central and western Nebraska agriculture and ranching is the mainstay. Pickups and tractors are a way of life. In different areas open range laws are still in effect, the cowboy and his horse are a common site.
The railroad is prominent in both ends of the state, with the world's largest rail yard in North Platte located in the western third.
- If you enjoy history you'll enjoy Nebraska.
- Nebraska has plenty of reasons to plan a trip driving through the State.
- The diversities found, in Nebraska, are not found in many other places.
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