Arbor Day Part of Nebraska City Legacy
City offers glimpses into the lives of early settlers.
March/April 2009
Dorothy Rieke
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Now a 52-room mansion, the Sterling Morton home is part of Arbor Lodge State Park in Nebraska City.
courtesy Arbor Day Farm
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There is something pleasing about Nebraska City’s addiction to history. The Nebraska town is where J. Sterling Morton and his wife Caroline made their home, where Lewis and Clark's legendary expedition passed, where riverboats docked with supplies and pioneers, and where Russell, Majors and Waddell based their freighting company.
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Everyone knows that, in some cases, love inspires and motivates men to great heights. So it was with J. Sterling and Caroline Morton. His love for his wife and concern for the lack of trees inspired this man to promote an idea that changed Midwestern landscapes forever.
In 1855, the Mortons first settled in a cabin on a treeless prairie. Through the years that four-room L- shaped frame dwelling grew into a 52- room mansion complete with Victorian and Empire furnishings. Today, 65 wooded acres of the Mortons’ claim have been designated as Arbor Lodge State Park. South of the mansion and carriage house is an Italian rose garden designed by Rudolph Evans. North and east is the arboretum consisting of more than 230 species of trees, shrubs and native woodland and prairie plants.
Morton's legacy created the tree planting day known as Arbor Day. Morton once observed, “Love of home is primary patriotism. Other holidays repose upon the past, Arbor Day proposes for the future.”
Across the road west of the lodge is Arbor Day Farm. Here, visitors experience the sights and sounds of a big forest. In fact, Arbor Day Tree Adventure offers many experiences, such as hiking over trails through orchards, woods and fields, interacting in an outdoor classroom, selecting a seedling tree from the Lied Greenhouse, visiting the Woodland Pavilion to view Trees in the Movies, and glimpsing the ghostly image of J. Sterling while listening to his discussion on the benefits of trees.
Each year during the last week in April, Arbor Day celebrations are held in Nebraska City. These events include activities centering on tree planting, education and enjoyment. Parades, craft and bake sales, environmental programs, flea markets, antique shows and other activities are just a few of the offerings.
Much of Nebraska City's heritage is evident in the homes and buildings remaining from settlement days. Wildwood House, a gracious 1869 10-room Victorian home, features two parlors, a full kitchen and upstairs bedrooms. A nearby “art” barn features regional artists' creations.