Lincoln Live Cam

History

Lincoln, the state’s capital, has a rich and varied history that reflects the growth and transformation of the American Midwest. Originally home to the Pawnee tribes and other Indigenous peoples, the area that would become Lincoln was acquired by the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Settlers from the eastern United States began to arrive in the early 19th century, drawn by the fertile land and opportunity for agricultural development.

Lincoln’s foundation as a city is closely tied to the establishment of Nebraska as a state in 1867. When Nebraska was preparing for statehood, there was a debate over where to locate the state capital. At the time, the capital was located in Omaha, but lawmakers pushed for a more central location to serve the growing population. After much deliberation, the city of Lancaster, a small settlement, was chosen as the new capital. As part of the process, Lancaster was renamed "Lincoln" in honor of President Abraham Lincoln, who had been assassinated just two years earlier. The city’s establishment as the state capital brought rapid growth, with the construction of government buildings, roads, and other infrastructure.