Plains Indians were the first recorded people to settle in the area that would become Lincoln before its founding in 1856 as the village of Lancaster. In 1859, the village became the county seat of the newly created Lancaster County. The abundance of salt attracted many settlers, but after J. Sterling Morton developed a salt mine in Kansas, salt in the village was no longer a commodity. Nebraska was granted statehood in 1867, and the capitol was in Omaha, but the Capitol Commission transferred it to the township of Lancaster. At the time, the village had approximately 500 people. In 1869, the state renamed the township of Lancaster, and it was incorporated as the city of Lincoln. The arrival of the railroad and automobile influenced Lincoln’s growth. In 1932, the state completed the construction of the state capitol designed by Bertram G. Goodhue, and it became the second-tallest capitol in the United States. In the 1970s, the U.S. Department of State designated Lincoln as a refugee-friendly city. It was the 12th-largest resettlement site per capita in the nation by the beginning of the 21st century. The revitalization and growth of Lincoln in the late 20th century influenced a significant population increase and economic development. New businesses, highways, city expansion, and immigration have influenced the city’s growth. Buy a mobile home and live in one of the nation’s best cities.

Tour the second-largest state capitol in the United States, Nebraska State Capitol. Did you know that it took three times for Nebraska to construct a state capital that would last? It took ten years to construct the building, and it is worth a visit due to its limestone exterior and an ornate interior of mosaic floors, marble columns, and murals.
Visit the Historic Haymarket District in the city center, where you will have plenty of things to do day and night. The district is an exciting location with incredible restaurants and an area where you can explore galleries and shops. The Historic Haymarket District is a popular destination for residents and visitors who want to spend quality time doing numerous things in the same location.
You can also participate in the city’s annual cultural events that revitalize the city’s creative spirit. While some events come and go, others have remained, creating new traditions that influence the community, including farmers' markets, the Lincoln National Guard marathon, Celebrate Lincoln and Uncle Sam Jam. The city always has events throughout the year.