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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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First visitor center opens. Note: No exact day given.
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Palmer-Epard Cabin, built in 1867, is moved to monument. Note: No exact day given.
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What is now Education Center opens as main visitor center. Note: No exact date given.
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Land within Homestead National Monument that includes original Freeman Claim is added to the National Register of Historic Places. Note: No exact date given.
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First prescribed burn of prairie. No exact date given.
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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.
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May 20, Homestead Heritage Center is dedicated
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March 19, Homestead National Monument of America celebrates 75th anniversary.