1. On August 24, 1935, the first Rural Electrification Administration (REA) loan was approved in Nebraska. This program brought electricity to rural areas, transforming life on farms and ranches throughout the state.

2. In 1955, the Nebraska Legislature designated the thistle as the official state flower. This choice was made in recognition of the thistle's resilience and durability, qualities that Nebraskans greatly admire.

3. On August 24, 1969, the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team played their first game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. The team has gone on to play countless games and win numerous championships in this iconic venue.

4. In 2006, the town of Cody, Nebraska was struck by a powerful tornado on August 24. The tornado caused extensive damage to the town, but thankfully, there were no fatalities.

5. August 24 is also the birthday of William Henry Jackson, a famous photographer who captured stunning images of the American West in the late 19th century. Many of his images of Nebraska, including "Homestead Near Broken Bow" and "Prairie Sunset," are considered to be masterpieces of the genre.