History of Lincoln, NE
The account of Lincoln, Nebraska started in 1856 with the colonization of the village of Lancaster. The district of Lancaster was established in 1859. Colonists initially drew salt from the wild salt flats of Salt Creek.
19th Century
Before colonizers increased and expand, Lancaster was covered with grass. Plains Indians were the ones who lived in the area along the Salt Creek.
The first colonizers in the village of Lancaster were fascinated by the area because there is plenty of salt in the village. Salt is essential in preserving meat. Captain W.T. Donovan together with his family lived on Salt Creek in 1856. He was chosen as a representative of the Crescent Company in the production of salt.
At first, the village had a low population, but after the passage of the 1862 Homestead Act, settlers started to occupy the area. A number of settlers left the village in September 1864 because of the Sioux Indian scare in 1864. The Pawnee Indians drove the Sioux out of the settlement. The village was saved, while others weren't.
The first colonizers in the village of Lancaster were fascinated by the area because there is plenty of salt in the village. Salt is essential in preserving meat. Captain W.T. Donovan together with his family lived on Salt Creek in 1856. He was chosen as a representative of the Crescent Company in the production of salt.
At first, the village had a low population, but after the passage of the 1862 Homestead Act, settlers started to occupy the area. A number of settlers left the village in September 1864 because of the Sioux Indian scare in 1864. The Pawnee Indians drove the Sioux out of the settlement. The village was saved, while others weren't.
New State Capital
Omaha had been the capital of the Nebraska Territory since 1854. Before it was voted to be removed as the capital city, Senator J.N.H. Patrick made an effort to stop the proposal by naming the next capital city after President Abraham Lincoln.
On March 1, 1867, Nebraska was awarded statehood. The village of Lancaster was selected to be the next capital by the Capital Commission. Eventually, Lancaster changed its name to Lincoln on September 6, 1867, after the Lincoln plats were completed. Lots were auctioned to finance the construction of the new capital city. The auctions were a success and soon after, Lincoln's population increased.
On March 1, 1867, Nebraska was awarded statehood. The village of Lancaster was selected to be the next capital by the Capital Commission. Eventually, Lancaster changed its name to Lincoln on September 6, 1867, after the Lincoln plats were completed. Lots were auctioned to finance the construction of the new capital city. The auctions were a success and soon after, Lincoln's population increased.
Journey to Modernization
The need for more passable roads grew due to the popularity of automobile travel throughout the country. This led to the establishment of the Omaha-Lincoln-Denver Highway. Development and construction of already established roads started soon after.
Lincoln grew in population which led for its expansion to neighboring towns. Further, the third capitol began construction in 1922. Also in the same year, William Jennings, former US Secretary of State, pledged his residence and lot to begin the creation of Bryan Memorial Hospital.
Lincoln grew in population which led for its expansion to neighboring towns. Further, the third capitol began construction in 1922. Also in the same year, William Jennings, former US Secretary of State, pledged his residence and lot to begin the creation of Bryan Memorial Hospital.
Development and Expansion
In 1925, Arrow Airport became a manufacturing and test facility for Arrow Aircraft and Motors Corporation, specifically the Arrow Sport. It declared bankruptcy in 1939 and soon closed after some decades.
The Veterans' Hospital was opened in 1930 in the town of Havelock. Havelock openly opposed being an annex city to Lincoln. It eventually yielded when the development of the city was interrupted due to a strike by shop workers.
Bankers Life Insurance Company of Nebraska made known to the public its plan to establish a $6 million worth shopping center adjacent to their campus on the east side of Lincoln. In 1960, the Gateway Mall finished construction and started its business. It has a second branch in Montgomery Wards and Miller and Paine. Some of the first shops in the mall were S.S Kresge, Ben Simons, and Walgreens.
See this website for more information about Lincoln, NE.
The Veterans' Hospital was opened in 1930 in the town of Havelock. Havelock openly opposed being an annex city to Lincoln. It eventually yielded when the development of the city was interrupted due to a strike by shop workers.
Bankers Life Insurance Company of Nebraska made known to the public its plan to establish a $6 million worth shopping center adjacent to their campus on the east side of Lincoln. In 1960, the Gateway Mall finished construction and started its business. It has a second branch in Montgomery Wards and Miller and Paine. Some of the first shops in the mall were S.S Kresge, Ben Simons, and Walgreens.
See this website for more information about Lincoln, NE.