Nebraska

Nebraska became a state in 1867. Before 1848, it was populated mostly by Native Americans, but then the gold rush hit and thousands of Anglo's crossed the territory traveling to California. Some of them got as far as Nebraska and, tiring of the journey, simply quit and settled down where they stopped.

The first Arbor Day in America took place in Nebraska City on April 10, 1872. Nebraska citizens and groups were encouraged to plant trees and they responded by planting an estimated 1 million on that one day. The idea eventually spread through America and now all states annually participate.

Another notable that happened in Nebraska was the invention in 1927 of Kool-Aid by Edwin Perkins in the city of Hastings. Kool-Aid is the official state drink. Also, CliffsNotes were developed in Rising City by Clifton Hillegass. He "adopted" his notes from the similar Canadian publications named ColesNotes.

Entering this breadbasket state, Little Dude Troll stopped in a visitor center for a state map. The nice older lady manning the counter was asked, "What is the state motto of Nebraska?" She replied, "Well, the official motto is 'Where the West Begins,' but I think it should be 'Nebraska, more interesting than Kansas.'" Bless that sweet lady for her honesty!

Kansas - Hello, Goodbye

Notice hair blowing

The state of Kansas was named after a Native American tribe which lived in that area of the Midwestern United States. Supposedly, the name means "People of the wind." If so, as far as Little Dude Troll is concerned, it is one of the most appropriately named places in America. Having been in and through Kansas numerous times on the way to or from somewhere else, the wind has never NOT been blowing. There is a popular belief that Kansas is the flattest state in America. There is good reason for this belief. Geographical features not withstanding, Little Dude has always found Kansans to be friendly and he sure is appreciative of the food crops which come from this breadbasket state!

Notice hair still blowing. Bye-Bye Kansas.