-
Nebraskans urge Congress to create a national park
Nebraska residents urge Congress to create a national park site on the Freeman property, the location of one of the earliest land parcels claimed under the Homestead Act on Jan. 1, 1863. Note: No exact date given. -
Sen. Norris joins the fight
U.S. Sen. George W. Norris of Nebraska, joins fight to get the Freeman land preserved as a national park. Note: No exact date given. -
Park association is formed
The Homestead National Park Association is formed by several prominent Beatrice citizens. Movement to create the park begins to solidify. Note: No exact day given -
Proposal goes to House
In August, Norris proposal for creation of the national park site goes before the U.S. House of Representatives. Note: No exact day in August given. -
Homestead National Monument created
March 19, Homestead National Monument Act is passed as Public Law 480, 74th Congress, and signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The newly-created Homestead National Monument of America is placed under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior. -
Park restoration begins
Prairie restoration begins, making the Homestead prairie the second-oldest prairie restoration in the United States and oldest in the national park system. Note: No exact date given. -
First visitor center opens
First visitor center opens. Note: No exact day given. -
Palmer-Epard Cabin moved
Palmer-Epard Cabin, built in 1867, is moved to monument. Note: No exact day given. -
Main visitor center opens
What is now Education Center opens as main visitor center. Note: No exact date given. -
Land added to historic places registry
Land within Homestead National Monument that includes original Freeman Claim is added to the National Register of Historic Places. Note: No exact date given. -
First prescribed prairie burn
First prescribed burn of prairie. No exact date given. -
More sites added to Homestead
Legislation adds Freeman School, an original one-room prairie schoolhouse, to Homestead. School provides visitors an opportunity to see what it was like to be a young student on the Nebraska prairie a century ago. Note: No exact date given. -
Homestead Heritage Center dedicated
May 20, Homestead Heritage Center is dedicated -
75th anniversary
March 19, Homestead National Monument of America celebrates 75th anniversary.