1. On December 13, 1856, a group of 459 German immigrants arrived in Omaha, Nebraska. Known as the "Donner Party of the Plains," they had endured a harsh journey across the Atlantic and then a treacherous trek across the Midwest in search of a new home. Many died along the way, but those who survived went on to help build the German-American community in Nebraska.

2. In 1866, a group of farmers in central Nebraska formed the first Grange organization in the state. The Grange was a farmers' advocacy group that aimed to promote policies and laws that were beneficial to agriculture. Over time, many Grange members became involved in politics and played a significant role in shaping Nebraska's agricultural policies.

3. In 1933, Nebraska hosted the first-ever College All-Star Football Game. The game pitted the NFL champions (the Chicago Bears) against a team of college football all-stars. The college team won by a score of 22-0, and the game became an annual tradition for several years before it was discontinued in 1976.

4. On December 13, 1962, Nebraska Governor Frank B. Morrison signed a bill that officially designated the state flower as the goldenrod. The goldenrod had been unofficially recognized as the state flower for many years, but the bill made it official. Today, the goldenrod is still a common sight in Nebraska's fields and meadows.

5. In 2003, Nebraska's largest-ever solar power project was announced. The project involved the installation of over 2,000 solar panels on the roof of a building in Lincoln, Nebraska. The solar panels were capable of generating up to 385 kilowatts of electricity, enough to power hundreds of homes. The project was seen as a significant step in the development of renewable energy in the state.