It was a plague of biblical proportions. Swarms of locusts assaulted crops, tools, and clothing. The events not only devastated farmers but also foreshadowed today’s expectations about the government’s role in responding to natural disasters. Today, we dive into the 2008 Nebraska History Magazine article, “Grasshoppered: America’s Response to the 1874 Rocky Mountain Locust Invasion,” written byAlexandra Wagner.

Horse racing was a popular sport in the American West. As preparations for the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago were being made, it was suggested that a grand horse race from the West to Chicago should take place.

In this episode, we explore the planning, promotion, opposition, and story of the actual race itself through the 1972 Nebraska History Magazine article, "The Chadron-Chicago 1,000 Mile Cowboy Race," by William Deahl Jr.

Traveling shows were an extremely popular form of entertainment in the 20th century. In Nebraska, one man started a show that became one of the state's most popular productions. In this episode, explore the history of that show through a 2017 Nebraska History Magazine article titled "Walter Savidge Amusement Company" by Rebecca Buller.

Radio has always played a role in connecting people. Early homemaker radio programs, like Mary Moore Homemaker on WJAG in Norfolk, focused on providing content and support for the women in their listening areas.

In this episode of the Nebraska History Podcast, we explore radio's impact in connecting with and influencing women in Nebraska through the 2019 Nebraska History Magazine article, "Stirring Up Conversation: The Radio Homemaker," by Mark Smith and Larry Walklin.

World War I unexpectedly triggered an agricultural boom in Nebraska, leading to the rise of a fascinating and intensive potash industry. This episode explores the impact of this boom on the state, from the rapid growth of new communities to the development of cutting-edge (and sometimes flawed) technologies used to extract this valuable resource. Join us as we share Richard E. Jensen's insightful 1987 Nebraska History Magazine article, "Nebraska's World War I Potash Industry," and reveal this unique period in Nebraska's past.

What did Crazy Horse look like? This Oglala Lakota leader's image has been the subject of much debate, as no confirmed photograph exists. Today, we explore the circumstances that prevented a photo from being taken and share firsthand accounts of his appearance through Randy Kane's 2018 article in Nebraska History Magazine, "What Did Crazy Horse Look Like?"

Grover Cleveland Alexander, a Hall of Fame pitcher from Elba, Nebraska, achieved legendary status in baseball but faced significant personal setbacks. Despite his remarkable baseball career, marked by National League records and a World Series championship, Alexander's life was also defined by struggles with alcoholism and health issues. We explore the contrast between his professional success and personal failures through the article, "His Own Worst Enemy: The Rise and Fall of Grover Cleveland Alexander," written by Andrea I. Paul in a 1990 issue of Nebraska History Magazine.

In this episode, we travel back to 1935, to a time when the Republican River transformed from a gentle stream into a raging force of nature. Join us as we explore the devastating flood that swept through the Republican River Valley, claiming 113 lives and reshaping the landscape of recovery and federal intervention in American life. We learn more through the 2016 Nebraska History Magazine article, "Gentle River Goes Mad: The Republican River Flood of 1935 and its New Deal Legacy" by Stacey Stubbs.