Introduction:

Your are an explorer.  You are to explore Nebraska and report back on your findings.  When you collect all your information, you will create a presentation for your class.

Below you will find a list of questions and the web sites where the information can be found.  You may also want to use books and CD ROMs to collect your information.

http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/us/A0859914.html

Click on the address above to discover information about the early explorers, hunters, and fur traders of Nebraska.  Answer the following questions.

1.  The Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado and his men came to Nebraska.  What year did they come?

2.  In the early 1800's there were several important people who came to Nebraska.  List at least four of them and explain what each of them did.

3. Explain what Bellevue was first developed as.

Steamboats and Wagon Trains

4.  The Platte River Valley was used for what by the early pioneers?  How do you think this helped Nebraska grow?

Railroads and Ranches 

5.  What happened to Nebraska after the railroad came?

  6.  What happened to the population between 1860 and 1870?  (Be sure to write the population for each of those two years.)  Explain why you think this happened.

7.  List five things that could have happened to farmers and ranchers between 1800 and 1880. What do you think would happen to farmers and ranchers if these things happened today.

Revised by B. Jones 04/18/2006 02:18:33 PM
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