History Moments NE Territory

The area of land we now know as Nebraska has a long history. Originally, Nebraska (along with the rest of the Great Plains) was Native American land. Even after white people began living in present-day America, it was difficult for Europeans to navigate the flat, fairly featureless area. Once President Jefferson bought the Louisiana territory from France in an act known as the Louisiana Purchase, territories (and then states) were divided up in several ways. Geographic markers such as mountains and lakes were used, which is why the Missouri River marks Nebraska's eastern side. The north and south borders of the state are drawn along lines of latitude. Its western boundary was evened out by the claims of nearby states over the years as the Western territories became more defined and achieved statehood.