|
If you're traveling north
on Hwy. 281 from Kansas into Nebraska, just a few miles
over the state line you'll notice an amazing phenomenon:
The terrain abruptly changes. The ground begins to swell
up beneath you in a series of undulating hills, all
covered with high, glossy, grass that waves a greeting
as you pass by.
"This is Willa Cather Country," a historical marker
proudly proclaims. The text goes on to tell the story of
the American author's trek west from Virginia, and her
grave disappointment upon arriving at the lonely, harsh
reality of Nebraska. But anyone who's ever read My
Antonia knows that Cather soon grew to love these
silvery plains, and the cities that sprang up just a few
miles from her rural home.
Lincoln (originally called Lancaster) is the state's
capital and has a population of nearly 200,000. It's the
transportation and manufacturing center of Nebraska, and
once the home of another famous American, William
Jennings Bryan. And Omaha, the state's other thriving
metropolis, is literally booming: It's a major insurance
industry hub, the site of Creighton University, and just
down the road from Boys' Town, the second-chance haven
for youngsters that Father Flanagan made famous. Here
are some virtual attractions to get you started with
your own Nebraska love affair.
|
