Nebraska Territory was established in 1854 by the Kansas-Nebraska Act.  Its mostly flat landscape made it ideal for growing crops and raising livestock.  And its nearness to the Missouri River made it an important trade stop.

In 1862, President Lincoln introduced the Homestead Act, promising people over 100 acres of land each if they moved west.  The act led thousands of settlers to travel across the country to claim their free land – helping territories like Nebraska get the 60,000 people needed to become a state.

Nebraska became eligible for statehood in 1866, shortly after the end of the Civil War.  The territory drafted a constitution and submitted it to Congress.  However, it was not accepted until voting rights were granted to men of all races.  Nebraska made the change and became the 37th state in the Union on March 1, 1867.

The Union Pacific Railroad was completed the same year Nebraska became a state.  This new method of transporting people and goods led to a flourishing economy and a steady increase in Nebraska’s population.  Farmers bought land from railroad companies and were able to produce enough crops and livestock to sell across the country.

In just a few decades, Nebraska transformed from unclaimed territory, to well-developed and booming state.

  

Value:  49c

Issued: March 1, 2017

First Day City:  Lincoln, NE

Type of Stamp:  First Class Mail
Printed by:  Ashton Potter
Method:  Offset, Microprint
Self-Adhesive