Capital Lincoln Became a State March 1, 1867 (37th) Location Great Plains Area 77,354 sq. miles (16th) Population 1,826,341 (39th) Major Cities Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, Kearney Products corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum, grain processing Climate eastern two-thirds of state has hot summer continental climate, western third has semi-arid steppe climate - thunderstorms in spring and summer months - Chinook winds provide temporary moderating effect on temperatures during the winter months. Yearly Precipitation averages 34 inches Professional Sports Teams no professional sports teams Major Waterways Platt River, Nebraska, River, Niobrara River, Republican River Most Famous Citizens Gerald Ford (U.S. President) Fred Astaire (actor) Max Baer (boxer) Warren Buffet (investor) Marlon Brando (actor) Malcolm X (religious leader)