1. In 1866, the University of Nebraska was founded on December 19th, making it the oldest university in the state. The institution first opened its doors to students in September 1871.

2. On December 19, 1907, Nebraska became the first state to pass a law regulating the use of automobiles. The law required that all motor vehicles be registered with the Secretary of State and carry license plates.

3. In 1929, the historic Hotel Fontenelle opened its doors in Omaha on December 19th. The hotel was a popular destination for guests such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower, and it remains a prominent landmark in the city today.

4. On December 19, 1941, the University of Nebraska celebrated its 75th anniversary with a special convocation at the State Capitol. The event was held just weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and several speakers emphasized the importance of education in times of crisis.

5. In 1968, the Nebraska Legislature voted to raise the legal drinking age from 19 to 21 on December 19th. The change was controversial at the time, and many young Nebraskans protested the decision. The state's drinking age remained at 21 until 1986, when it was lowered to 19 for a brief period before being raised back to 21 in 1987.