Nebraska was once called "The Great American Desert."

In 1927, Edwin E Perkings of Hastings invented the powdered soft drink Kool-Aid.

J. Sterling Morton founded Arbor Day in Nebraska City in 1872.

The state nickname used to be the "Tree Planter's State," but was changed in 1945 to the "Cornhusker State."

The state insect is the honeybee.

State motto: Equality before the law.

The goldenrod was declared the state flower on April 4, 1895.

The Naval Ammunition Depot located in Hastings was the largest U.S. ammunition plant providing 40% of WWII's ammunition.

The Lied Jungle located in Omaha is the world's largest indoor rain forest.

Nebraska is the birthplace of the Reuben sandwich.

Spam (canned meat) is produced in Fremont.

Nebraska has the U.S.'s largest aquifer (underground lake/water supply), the Ogalala aquifer.

Nebraska has more miles of river than any other state.

The Union Pacific Bailey Yards, in North Platte, are the largest rail classification complex in the world.

Nebraska is the only state in the union with a unicameral (one house) legislature.

Nebraska was the first state to complete its segment of the nation's mainline interstate system, a 455 mile stretch of four lane highway. 

Neabraska is both the nation's largest producer and user of center pivot irrigation. 

Nebraska's Chimney rock was the most often mentioned landmark in journal entries by travelers on the Oregon Trail. 

The 911 system of emergency communications, now used nationwide, was developed and first used in Lincoln, NE.

Nebraska has more underground water reserves than any other state in the continental U.S.

Marlon Brando's mother gave Henry Fonda acting lessons at the Omaha Community Playhouse. 

Lincoln County is the origin of the world's largest "Wolly Mamoth" elephant fossil.

Weeping Water is the nation's largest limestone deposit and producer.

Mutual of Omaha Corporate headquarters is a public building built with 7 floors underground.

Kearney, Nebraska is located exactly between Boston and San Francisco.

The cost of the Nebraska Capitol building was $9,800,400.07 in 1932. The construction job came in under budget and the building was paid for by the time it was completed.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln weight toom is the largest in the country. It covers three-fourths of an acre.

The University of Nebraska football team has produced more Acedemic All-Americans than any other Division I school.