Nebraska history covers past events from a period leading to the creation of the state to about a generation ago or 20 years. Before Nebraska was a state, the land was a part of the Louisiana Purchase from French government in 1803. Lewis and Clark began their famous fact gathering trip soon after the purchase and Nebraska was one of the states that was studied for the wildlife, plants, geology and Indian tribes. Then, in 1854, with the Nebraska-Kansas act, allowed for a creation of Nebraska and Kansas states later on. The Homestead Act in 1862 gave free land to farmers, who would promise to stay and farm the land for a number of years. This increase the population going west and some stayed in Nebraska. Nebraska was on the route of the famous Oregon Trail, where people in covered wagons would try for better fortunes out west. The early houses were sod houses, since trees were scarce. In 1867, after the Civil War, Nebraska became officially the 37th state in the union. Omaha was the first capital, but was later moved to Lincoln. There was quite a lot of competition for state capital status. The area proved to be good for farming despite a map notation by surveyor, Stephen Long, calling the Great Plains region "The Great American Desert". This state owes it's gratitude to the brave and hearty souls that came west from more comfortable surroundings in eastern United States. They suffered from diseases, hunger, drought, miserable winters, and confrontations with the native peoples. Note: Reading books and online texts from Nebraska authors, who focused on the pioneer period, such as Willa Cather and Mari Sandoz can offer entertaining and informative insights into the early days of Nebraska.