Nebraska State Symbols
Nebraska State Symbols, Emblems, and Mascots
Nebraska is the headquarters for several large investment and insurance companies, including Berkshire Hathaway, Mutual of Omaha, and TD Ameritrade. Students studying in Nebraska can explore the Agate Fossil Beds and the picturesque Niobrara National Scenic River, Chimney Rock National Historic Site, and Scotts Bluff National Monument.
Nebraska gets its name from an Indian word meaning "flat water" after the Platte River that flows through the state. The Nebraska Territory was formed in 1854 at the same time as the Kansas Territory. Nebraska was admitted into the Union in 1867 as the 37th state. Its nickname, "Cornhusker State," refers to the way that corn (a leading product of the state) was commonly harvested, "husking" it by hand, before the invention of husking machinery. Another nickname, the "Beef State," refers to one of Nebraska's main industries, cattle. Omaha has been a major meatpacking center since the 1880s. Although Omaha was the territorial capital, Lincoln, named in honor of the 16th president, is the state capital. The state mammal is the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).
Nebraska State Symbols contains descriptions and pictures of the state symbols, emblems, and mascots of the state, which can be quickly accessed. This resource guide represents many of Nebraska state facts such as Nebraska state symbols, the state flower, the state gemstone, the state insect, the state tree, the state bird, the state animal, the state flag that flies over Nebraska, and the capital, as well as many more symbols, emblems, and mascots.
Designating symbols in Nebraska
Contrary to the practices of other states, the Governor of Nebraska has been empowered to designate official state "items." In 1997, the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature granted the Governor this authority by an act of law. Section 90-119 of the Nebraska Statutes reads:
90-119. Governor; designate official state items.
The Governor may designate official state items, including animals, plants, minerals, and other things. Legislative approval of any such designation
is not required. Any designation made on or prior to September 13, 1997, is not affected by this section.
Source
Laws 1997, LB 106, § 1.
Those who wish the promote a new state symbol in Nebraska might want to consider working through the office of the Governor.
