1851—First post office established.

July 10, 1854—Original town of Nebraska City founded by Stephen F. Nuckolls.

March 2, 1855—Nebraska City incorporated. Dr. Henry Bradford elected as the first mayor of Nebraska City. He received 36 out of 60 votes cast.

March 16, 1855—Kearney Hill incorporated. Miles S. Reeves elected first mayor of Kearney Hill.

April, 1855 — J. Sterling and Caroline Morton move to Nebraska City. J. Sterling encourages early homesteaders to plant trees.

September, 1855 —First son, Joy, born to J. Sterling and Caroline Morton. Paul was born on May 22, 1857. Mark born Nov. 22, 1858. Carl was born February, 1865.  As adults, Joy and Carl founded Morton Salt and Argo Cornstarch. Mark would become associated with Morton Salt and Paul would serve as Secretary of the Navy under President Theodore Roosevelt.

January 26, 1856—South Nebraska City incorporated. John B. Lull elected the first mayor of South Nebraska City.

December 31, 1857—Three cities consolidate and are incorporated as Nebraska City.

December, 1857 to 1912—Nebraska City operates under mayor-council form of government.

June 1881—Caroline Morton dies at age 47.

1893—J. Sterling Morton appointed by President Grover Cleveland to serve as Secretary of Agriculture.

March 26, 1897 — Morton-James Library building completed.

June 1902 —J. Sterling Morton dies at age 70.

1912—Citizens vote to adopt three-person commission form of government.

1923—Joy Morton donates Arbor Lodge Mansion and 65 acres to the State of Nebraska. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has owned and operated Arbor Lodge State Historic Park since its donation.

February 13, 1927—St. Mary’s, a 35-bed hospital facility, opens in Nebraska City.

April 13, 1937—Otoe County Historical Society founded.

1980 —Citizens vote to increase the city commission to five members with the addition of commissioners for parks and recreation, as well as public works.

1980 to present—Nebraska City remains one of the only cities in the state operating with the commission system of government.

April 21-24, 1983—First Arbor Day celebration. Attorney General Paul Douglas presented Mayor A.O. Gigstad with “Tree City U.S.A.” award for Nebraska City.