Nebraska was the 37th state of the United Status; it became a state on March 1, 1867). It was decided that the state should be named after the largest river in the area. That particular river had been given two names. The white settlers had named it the Platte River, which is what it is known as today. An Oto Indian tribe living in the area also called the river Nebraska, which means "flat water." Several different Native American clans lived and hunted in the area. Farms and ranches sprang up everywhere. Agriculture and cattle ranching became the main sources of income for these early settlers and remains so today.
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Nebraska was the 37th state of the United Status; it became a state on March 1, 1867). It was decided that the state should be named after the largest river in the area. That particular river had been given two names. The white settlers had named it the Platte River, which is what it is known as today. An Oto Indian tribe living in the area also called the river Nebraska, which means "flat water." Several different Native American clans lived and hunted in the area. Farms and ranches sprang up everywhere. Agriculture and cattle ranching became the main sources of income for these early settlers and remains so today.
The State capital is Lincoln. Nebraska is the 16th biggest state in the USA with 77,358 square miles. The major rivers are Missouri River, Niobrara River, Platte River, and Republican River. Nebraska is bordered by South Dakota to the north; Iowa to the east and Missouri to the southeast, across the Missouri River; Kansas to the south; Colorado to the southwest; and Wyoming to the west.
In 2005, the estimated resident population went up to 1,758,787. Nebraska has 93 counties and the 10 largest cities are: Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings, Fremont, North Platte, Norfolk, and Columbus.
Two major climates are represented in Nebraska: the eastern two-thirds of the state have a hot summer like continental climate, and the western third of the state has a semiarid steppe climate. The entire state experiences wide seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation. Nebraska is located in Tornado Alley; thunderstorms are common in the spring and summer months. The chinook winds from the Rocky Mountains provide decreasing effect on temperatures in western Nebraska during the winter months.
Nebraska is a leading grain-producer with bumper crops of sorghum, corn, and wheat. More varieties of grass, valuable for forage, grow in this state than in any other in the nation. The state's sizable cattle and hog industries make Dakota City and Lexington among the nation's largest meat-packing centers. Manufacturing has become diversified: Firms making electronic components, auto accessories, pharmaceuticals, and mobile homes have joined older industries such as clothing, farm machinery, chemicals, and transportation equipment.
Areas of interest for visitors to Nebraska include the many State Parks, incredible zoos and historic sites. There are also several art, science and history museums found in Nebraska. Among the principal attractions are Agate Fossil Beds, Homestead, and Scotts Bluff National Monuments; the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery and the Lied Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln; the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha; Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney; the University of Nebraska State Museum in Lincoln, etc.
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