LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska celebrated 150 years of statehood on Wednesday with tributes to its pioneer roots, history-making citizens and natural splendor.
Hundreds gathered at the Capitol to mark the anniversary with the formal unveiling of a new state stamp and actor portrayals of author Willa Cather, Ponca Indian Chief Standing Bear and William “Buffalo Bill” Cody.
The state stamp formally unveiled at the Capitol shows Sandhill cranes flying over the Platte River in central Nebraska. It’s from a photo by Lincoln photographer Michael Forsberg.
Later in the day, the state’s top elected officials gathered in the legislative chamber for a ceremony that included songs and a poetry reading.
“For all of us who love Nebraska, today is a special day,” said Sara Crook, chairwoman of the Nebraska Sesquicentennial Commission.
Gov. Pete Ricketts said the sesquicentennial gives residents the chance to reflect on how blessed they are to live in Nebraska. Ricketts recalled a history that includes Pawnee Indians hunting in the Republican River valley and pioneers breaking sod in an area known at the time as the Great American Desert.
“Nebraska has always been a land of opportunity,” Ricketts said, calling it “the best place in the world to live.”
Speaker of the Legislature Jim Scheer praised Nebraska’s history of emphasizing local and transparent government.
“We all want to ensure the next 150 years will be better than the past, and I’m confident to say they will be,” said Scheer, of Norfolk.
Outside the Capitol, more than 20 horse riders from around the state re-enacted a Pony Express delivery to Ricketts and first lady Susanne Shore. The National Pony Express Association’s Nebraska division arrived at the Capitol’s west steps to present a statehood proclamation.
“It’s an exhilarating feeling,” said Mary Cone, a rider from Roscoe who has participated in Pony Express events since 2002. “It’s a connection to our past. To be loping along with a mochila under you, you feel like you’re back in 1860.” A mochila is a leather flap to which saddlebags are attached.
The Nebraska History Museum is also featuring a collection of scene paintings from each of the state’s 93 counties.
Nebraska became the nation’s 37th state on March 1, 1867.
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