Nebraska Timeline

Every state has a rich history that defines how it is known today. Using a timeline layout, students will research the history of Nebraska and create a timeline of events. Students must think about what makes an event truly worthy of being included in the timeline and be able to include detail in their timeline.

For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options and adjust the instructions accordingly.

Examples of Important Events in Nebraska History

c. 10,000 BCE: Paleo-Indians, the earliest known inhabitants, arrive in the region, followed by various Native American tribes such as the Omaha, Ponca, Pawnee, Otoe, and Sioux.

1541: Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado explores parts of Nebraska. Years later, in 1682, French explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle claims the region for France as part of the Louisiana Territory.

1803: The United States acquires Nebraska as part of the Louisiana Purchase from France.

1843-1869: The Oregon Trail, which runs through Nebraska, becomes a major route for westward migration. In 1848, Fort Kearny is established to protect travelers on the Oregon Trail.

1867: Nebraska is admitted to the Union as the 37th state on March 1. Lincoln is designated as the state capital.