1) On July 14, 1865, Nebraska became the first state to pass a law granting equal political rights to African Americans. This law was passed just months after the end of the Civil War and helped to set the tone for the country's slow march towards racial equality.

2) In 1882, the town of Grand Island experienced a devastating fire on July 14 that destroyed much of the downtown area. Despite the loss, the community came together to rebuild and within a few years, the town was thriving once again.

3) On July 14, 1894, the Nebraska State Fair was held for the first time in Lincoln. The fair has been an annual tradition ever since, drawing visitors from all over the state and beyond to enjoy carnival rides, agriculture exhibits, live music, and more.

4) In 1934, Nebraska native and renowned aviator Charles Lindbergh visited the state on July 14 to attend the dedication of an airport in his honor. The airport, located in Lincoln, was later renamed the Lincoln Municipal Airport.

5) On July 14, 2008, the town of Kearney made national news when it introduced a ban on smoking in all public places, including bars and restaurants. The ban was controversial at the time, but has since been credited with improving public health and reducing secondhand smoke exposure for Kearney residents.