1. Total Solar Eclipse: On August 21, 2017, a rare total solar eclipse swept across Nebraska, with many towns experiencing full darkness during the middle of the day. People from all over the world came to Nebraska to witness the spectacle, making it one of the busiest days for tourism in the state's history.

2. First Homestead Claim: On August 21, 1862, the first homestead claim was filed under the Homestead Act of 1862 in Nebraska. Daniel Freeman filed the claim for 160 acres of land in Beatrice, Nebraska, becoming the first person to take advantage of the new law that offered free land to anyone willing to live on and improve it.

3. Husker Stadium Groundbreaking: On August 21, 1922, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln broke ground on what would become one of the most iconic stadiums in college football history. Memorial Stadium, also known as Husker Stadium, has been the home of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team since it opened in 1923.

4. First Female Governor: On August 21, 1987, Kay Orr was inaugurated as the first female governor of Nebraska. She served as governor for two terms from 1987 to 1991, and was also the first Republican woman to be elected governor in the United States.

5. Largest Tornado Outbreak: On August 21, 1983, Nebraska experienced one of the largest tornado outbreaks in its history. A total of 46 tornadoes touched down across the state, causing millions of dollars in damage and leaving several people dead. This event is still remembered as one of the worst natural disasters in Nebraska history.