Ethnic Heritage

Lancaster County, located in Nebraska, has a rich and varied history. The region's history dates back to the ancestral lands of the Pawnee and Otoe tribes, who lived along the Salt Creek in the 1700s. In the early 1800s, European settlers began to arrive in the area, drawn by the fertile soil and the promise of cheap land.

The first permanent European settlement in the area was founded in 1856 when more than 100 settlers established Lancaster, named after the former president, Abraham Lincoln's hometown in Pennsylvania. The next year, Lancaster was designated as the county seat, and in 1867, the county was officially named Lancaster County.

Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, Lancaster County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s facilitated transportation and trade, leading to the establishment of new towns and the expansion of existing ones. Agriculture played a crucial role in the county's economy, with crops like corn and wheat becoming major exports.

Lancaster County also played a significant role in the fight for civil rights and equality. In the early 20th century, the city of Lincoln, located within the county, became a center for civil rights activism, with organizations like the National Negro Business League and the Lincoln NAACP working towards social and political change.

Overall, Lancaster County's history is a testament to the resilience and determination of its early settlers and the ongoing efforts of its residents to build a vibrant and inclusive community. From its Native American roots to its status as a thriving agricultural and cultural hub, the county continues to evolve and shape the history of Nebraska.