The Election of 1864 and Nebraska
For the full story of Nebraska Territory during this dramatic era in American history, see James E. Potter, Standing Firmly by the Flag: Nebraska Territory and the Civil ...
Civil War
What We Found
Dr. Peabody Fought Omaha Cholera Outbreak in 1867
Dr. James H. Peabody. From Alfred T. Andreas, History of the State of Nebraska (Chicago, 1882)
Cholera, characterized by severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, ...
Nebraska’s “Ghost” Counties
It seems that one incorrect map led to more than a decade of confusion regarding six nonexistent counties in Western Nebraska. How did such a mistake happen?
In the ...
Two Nebraskans receive Medals of Honor in 1865
Vifquian wearing his Medal of Honor
The first two men with Nebraska connections to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor received their medals
150 years ago, ...
Masonry in the First Nebraska Regiment, 1863-66
Col. Robert R. Livingston of Plattsmouth, who commanded the First Nebraska Regiment in 1863-64, also participated in the regiment’s “traveling” Masonic Lodge. NSHS ...
Flashback Friday: Would J. Sterling Morton have sacrificed his grandmother for political gain?
In honor of Arbor Day, Nebraska History associate editor Jim Potter examines part of the political career of Arbor Day founder J. Sterling Morton. Some dramatic anti-J. ...
Joseph D. Gilman Rifle
The plaque on this rifle reads: "This gun carried by Joseph D. Gilman, Falls City, Nebr. Enlisted Oct. 15, 1861, Company E, 2nd Regiment Berdan's ...
Early Nebraskan Coffee Substitutes Include Carrots, Okra
The lack of certain foods in early Nebraska encouraged the use of substitutes. Coffee, for example, was sometimes replaced with dried barley, rye, and corn. The Nebraska ...
“A Double Mixture”: Equality and Economy in the Integration of Nebraska Schools, 1858-1883
Most Americans associate the history of school segregation with Southern and urban communities, a physical distance that may create a sense of separation for some ...
“General” John O’Neill’s advice for new Nebraskans
In 1875, John O'Neill published a pamphlet saying two things. Come to Nebraska and bring money.
(more…)
Texas Cattle Trade in Omaha
Soon after the end of the Civil War, Texas cattle began making their way north to Omaha. At first, the herds were 500 strong but by 1875 a herd of 4000 was fairly ...
Paul Vandervoort, Omaha Resident Turned Cuba Colonialist
Paul Vandervoort was a Union Veteran that settled in Omaha after the Civil War, but he is best known for his work helping to found an American colony in Cuba around ...
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