Nebraska: This and is Your Land by Ann Heinrichs, Compass Point Books, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 2004.
This is a very general introductory book to Nebraska. Chapters include: Welcome to Nebraska, Prairies, Rivers and Plains, A Trip through Time, Government by the People, Nebraskans at Work, Getting to Know Nebraskans and Lets Explore Nebraska. Nebraska was known for the Oregon Trail which passed through the state following the Platte River. It then established itself as a farming state.
Traditionally many Native American groups used Nebraska as a hunting ground, especially for buffalo. this included Brulé, Oglala Sioux, Arapahoe, Comanche and Cheyenne. They often had conflicts with the Pawnee. Settling along the Missouri River were the Omaha, Ponca and Oto. This area was claimed by the French in 1700s. However with the Louisiana Purchase it became part of the United States. Lewis and Clark traveled the eastern part of the state. Following this were fur traders and trading posts. The Homestead Act of 1862 lead to settling of the plains, and conflicts with Native Americans.
Nebraska is known for corn and cattle. Farming is a big part of the economy. During WWII plane manufacture south of Omaha in Bellevue was important. This was at Offutt Air Base which became Strategic Air Command during the Cold War.
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