Fort Report: Arbor Day

Smithsonian magazine recently named Nebraska City one of the “best small towns.” The river town is characterized by strong community values, natural beauty, and commitment to historic preservation. Nebraska City is the headquarters of the Arbor Day Foundation and home of the Lied Lodge. If you haven’t had a chance to visit this vibrant small town, I encourage you to do so.

Nebraska City's story is intertwined with the life of a Nebraskan named J. Sterling Morton. Morton's early years were marked by a strong intellectual acuity and a quest for personal discipline. Studying in Michigan, he was a campus leader who excelled in debate, and his character had a certain youthful mischievousness. In fact, he was expelled from college before graduating - but the community rallied to his defense. 

Morton came to Nebraska as an ambitious young man. He settled on the slopes of the Missouri River and became the editor of the Nebraska City News. He later held posts in state government, including several months as acting Governor. His strong interest in agriculture and forestry brought Morton national fame – so much that he was named Secretary of Agriculture under President Grover Cleveland. Morton was the first of four Nebraskans to serve in this important role, including current Senator Mike Johanns. Morton’s statue sits in the U.S. Capitol. 

J. Sterling Morton may be best known as the founder of Arbor Day. First celebrated in Nebraska City in 1872 and made an official holiday in 1874, the 140th anniversary of Arbor Day will be celebrated on April 25th in Nebraska. This distinctly Nebraska tradition promotes the ideals of community life and conservation of natural resources through the planting of trees.  

The Morton family homestead, the Arbor Lodge, was designed in the style of the White House and served as a gathering place for a number of dignitaries. On a recent trip to Nebraska, the Ambassador from the Czech Republic enjoyed visiting the home and added that Europe has nothing like the Arbor Day Foundation with its special mission of encouraging individual stewardship, education, and conservation through tree planting.

It is thanks to J. Sterling Morton and his forward-thinking views on resource planning that we continue to celebrate Arbor Day each year. Next weekend Nebraska City will host the Arbor Day parade – hopefully the spring weather will continue! 

I wish you and your family a happy and blessed Easter.