Nebraska Territory facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Territory of Nebraska
Organized incorporated territory of the United States
1854–1867
Capital	Omaha
• Type	Organized incorporated territory
History
• Kansas–Nebraska Act	30 May 1854
• Colorado Territory formed	February 28
• Dakota Territory formed	March 2
• Idaho Territory formed	March 3
• Statehood	1 March 1867
Preceded by Succeeded by Unorganized territory Washington Territory Colorado Territory Dakota Territory Idaho Territory Nebraska

The Territory of Nebraska was a special area of land in the United States. It was set up by the U.S. government. This territory existed from May 30, 1854, until March 1, 1867. On that date, part of the territory became the State of Nebraska.

The Nebraska Territory was created by an important law called the Kansas–Nebraska Act in 1854. The main city, or capital, of the territory was Omaha. This large territory included land that is now part of several states. These states are Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota, Colorado, and Montana.

How the Territory Started

The Nebraska Territory began with the Kansas–Nebraska Act of 1854. This law was a big deal for the United States. It allowed people in new territories to decide if they wanted slavery or not. This idea was called "popular sovereignty."

Why the Act Was Important

The Kansas-Nebraska Act changed how new states would be formed. It let settlers vote on important issues themselves. This act helped shape the future of the American West. It also led to a lot of debate and conflict.

Where Was the Nebraska Territory?

The Nebraska Territory was very large. It covered a huge area of land in the middle of the United States.

Modern States in the Territory

Today, the land that was once the Nebraska Territory is split into many states.

• Most of present-day Nebraska was part of it.
• Large parts of Wyoming and South Dakota were included.
• Some areas of North Dakota and Colorado were also in the territory.
• A small part of Montana was also within its borders.

The Capital City: Omaha

The capital of the Nebraska Territory was Omaha. This city was chosen as the center for the territory's government.

Omaha's Role in the Territory

Omaha was an important place for the territory. It was where the main government buildings were located. People would travel to Omaha for official business. It was a growing town during this time.

When the Territory Ended

The Nebraska Territory did not last forever. It existed for about 13 years.

Becoming a State

On March 1, 1867, a big change happened. A part of the Nebraska Territory became a state. This new state was called Nebraska. When Nebraska became a state, the territory officially ended. The remaining parts of the territory became parts of other new territories or states.

Other Territories Formed

Before Nebraska became a state, other territories were created from its land.

• The Colorado Territory was formed in 1861.
• The Dakota Territory was also formed in 1861.
• The Idaho Territory was created in 1863.

These changes made the Nebraska Territory smaller over time.

Images for kids

• 

  $1 City of Omaha 1857 uniface banknote. The note is signed by Jesse Lowe in his function as Mayor of Omaha City. It was issued as scrip in 1857 to help fund the erection of the territorial capitol building at Omaha.

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  The front page of the December 6, 1854 issue of the Nebraska Palladium, the first newspaper to be published in the Nebraska Territory

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  The front page of the May 4, 1857 issue of the Nebraska Advertiser founded by Robert Wilkinson Furnas, in Brownville, Nebraska Territory

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  Site No. JF00-072: The Nebraska–Kansas state line at the intersection of Nebraska counties Thayer and Jefferson and Kansas counties Washington and Republic

• 

  Map of the territory of Nebraska and seal of the Nebraska Territory

See also

In Spanish: Territorio de Nebraska para niños