1. In 1889, the University of Nebraska opened its doors to students for the first time. It was originally founded as a land-grant university in 1869, but it took 20 years for classes to begin. Today, the university has over 25,000 students and is a major research university.

2. On August 22, 1958, the city of Kearney was struck by a massive tornado that killed 15 people and caused $20 million in damage. The tornado was one of the deadliest in Nebraska's history and remains one of the deadliest in U.S. history.

3. In 1882, the first telegraph line was completed between Omaha and Chicago, connecting Nebraska to the rest of the country for the first time. This allowed for faster communication and helped to spur economic growth in the state.

4. August 22 is also the birthday of legendary football coach Tom Osborne. Osborne coached the University of Nebraska football team from 1973 to 1997, leading the team to three national championships and becoming one of the most successful coaches in college football history.

5. In 1867, the first state fair was held in Nebraska. The fair has been held every year since, except during war years and the pandemic, and has become a major event in the state. The fair features a wide range of attractions, from carnival rides to agricultural exhibits, and draws thousands of visitors each year.