Lincoln Nebraska

Lincoln is known for offering the exhilaration of a big city, but the serenity of the countryside.  Having earned the reputation as one of the Midwest's most beloved cities, Lincoln is home to artistic treasures, a thriving live music scene, fine dining, breathtaking parks and trails, and a friendly Midwestern attitude. 

Lincoln is the capital of Nebraska, as well as the state's second most populated city.  It is the county seat for Lancaster County and home to the University of Nebraska.  The population is approximately 250,000.

Interesting Facts

• As of 2008, Lincoln was named one of the healthiest cities in the United States.
• Lincoln is home to many sites for music and cultural events, including Pershing Auditorium, Knickerbockers, Bourbon Theatre, the Lincoln Community Playhouse and the Lied Center.
• Lincoln's public library system (Lincoln City Libraries) has eight branches.  Lincoln City Libraries circulates over 3 million items each year to the people of Lancaster County.
• Lincoln has a large system of parks, containing over 100 individual parks.  Also, the MoPac Trail runs through Lincoln.
• The Lincoln metropolitan area consists of Seward County and Lancaster County.  The city has a small amount of development outside its city limits and has no contiguous suburbs.

History

Lincoln was founded in 1856 as the village of Lancaster.  It became the county seat for Lancaster County, which was created in 1859.  Omaha had been the capital of Nebraska territory since its creation in 1854.  However, after an abundance of the territory south of the Platte River considered annexation to Kansas, the legislature voted to move the capital to the southwest.  The village of Lancaster was chosen, partly because of its marshes and salt flats.

Government

Lincoln has a mayor-council type of government.  A seven-member city council and the mayor are selected in nonpartisan elections.  Four members of the city council are elected from city council districts; the remaining three are elected at large.  Several Nebraska state agencies and United States government agencies are located in Nebraska.