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Lincoln, Nebraska

"Star City"
Nebraska's capital and a Big Ten college town, Lincoln built its identity on Husker football, state government, and a quality of life that consistently ranks among the best in the Midwest.
Founded 1856 | Population 305,010 | Peak 305,010 (2024) | County Lancaster County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Lincoln, Nebraska

1
1867Lincoln Named State Capital: When Nebraska achieved statehood, southern legislators outmaneuvered Omaha by requiring the capital be south of the Platte River. The tiny village of Lancaster was renamed Lincoln and designated the capital.
2
1869University of Nebraska Founded: UNL was established as a land-grant university, growing into a major research institution with 25,000 students and one of the most storied athletic programs in the nation.
3
1971Nebraska Wins First National Championship: The Cornhuskers won the first of five national football championships, beginning an era that made Memorial Stadium one of the most iconic venues in sports.
4
1970Refugee Resettlement Program: Lincoln became one of America's top refugee resettlement cities, welcoming thousands from Vietnam, Sudan, Iraq, and Myanmar, transforming the demographics of a predominantly white city.
5
1930State Capitol Completed: Nebraska's stunning Art Deco state capitol was completed, featuring a 400-foot tower visible across the plains. It became a national architectural landmark.
6
1856Village of Lancaster Founded: Settlers established the village of Lancaster on the salt flats of the Great Plains, attracted by salt deposits and fertile prairie land.
7
1892William Jennings Bryan Rises: Lincoln resident William Jennings Bryan became a national political force, running for president three times and championing populist causes from his Nebraska base.
8
1962Bob Devaney Era Begins: Coach Bob Devaney arrived at Nebraska and transformed the football program, leading to two national championships and setting the stage for Tom Osborne's dynasty.
9
2013Pinnacle Bank Arena Opens: The new arena anchored the Haymarket District redevelopment, transforming a former warehouse area into Lincoln's entertainment center.
10
2000Technology and Insurance Hub: Lincoln's economy diversified around insurance, technology, and education, with companies like Nelnet, Gallup, and Assurity establishing major operations.
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Population Over Time

0 76,253 152,505 228,758 305,010 1870 1880 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2024

Complete Historical Timeline

1856 Government
Village of Lancaster established
1867 Government
Nebraska achieves statehood; Lincoln named capital
1869 Culture
University of Nebraska founded
1892 Politics
William Jennings Bryan becomes national political figure
1923 Sports
Memorial Stadium opens for Husker football
1930 Architecture
State Capitol with 400-foot tower completed
1962 Sports
Bob Devaney hired as football coach
1970 Social
Refugee resettlement transforms demographics
1971 Sports
Nebraska wins first national football championship
1994 Sports
Tom Osborne leads Huskers to three titles in four years
2000 Business
Technology and insurance companies diversify economy
2011 Sports
Nebraska joins the Big Ten Conference
2013 Architecture
Pinnacle Bank Arena opens in Haymarket District
2020 Government
Ranked among best places to live in America
2024 Government
Population surpasses 305,000

Did You Know?

1
On game days, Memorial Stadium becomes the third-largest 'city' in Nebraska, with over 86,000 fans packing the stands — more than any city in the state except Omaha and Lincoln itself.
2
Nebraska's Art Deco state capitol features a 400-foot tower topped by a 19-foot bronze statue called 'The Sower,' visible from 20 miles across the flat plains.
3
Lincoln has resettled refugees from over 50 countries, including large communities from Vietnam, Sudan, Myanmar, Iraq, and Ukraine, making it one of the most diverse small cities in the Great Plains.

Famous People from Lincoln, Nebraska

DC
Dick Cheney
Vice President, Businessperson · Born Jan 30, 1941 · Died Nov 3, 2025 (age 84)
HS
Hilary Swank
Actor, Film Producer · Born Jul 30, 1974 · Age 51
BS
Brandon Sanderson
Writer, Novelist · Born Dec 19, 1975 · Age 50
JS
Jack Sock
Tennis Player · Born Sep 24, 1992 · Age 33
AG
Ashley Graham
Television Presenter, Plus-Size Model · Born Oct 30, 1987 · Age 38
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