e-ReferenceDesk's College and 50 State Learning Resource Guide

Find Online Colleges

Find Campus Colleges

State Symbols

The official state symbols represent the cultural heritage and natural treasures of each state or the entire United States

Nebraska Symbols

Nebraska State Poet Laureate

John G. Neihardt (1881-1973)

The 1921 Legislature named John G. Neihardt (1881-1973) as Poet Laureate of Nebraska. Neihardt's first book of poetry was published in 1908. In 1912, he began writing "The Epic Cycle of the West," consisting of five long narrative poems, and this became his chief literary work. These poems are Neihardt's substantial and unique contribution to the history of Nebraska and the West.

Position History

Position of Poet Laureate established 1921 with the naming of John G. Neihardt by Legislature. Position title changed to State Poet when William Kloefkorn was appointed by Governor Charles Thone September 11, 1982, on the recommendation of an ad hoc committee headed by the executive director of the Nebraska Humanities Council. Position is a lifetime appointment.

John G. Neihardt (1921-November 3, 1973)

State Symbols

State symbols represent things that are special to a particular state.

symbol \ˈsim-bəl\
noun

Etymology:
in sense 1, from Late Latin symbolum, from Late Greek symbolon, from Greek, token, sign; in other senses from Latin symbolum token, sign, symbol, from Greek symbolon, literally, token of identity verified by comparing its other half, from symballein to throw together, compare, from syn- + ballein to throw — more at devil
Date: 15th century

1: Something that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention, especially a material object used to represent something invisible.

Find Online Colleges

Find Campus Colleges

Nebraska Symbols

Nebraska State Poet Laureate

John G. Neihardt (1881-1973)

Position History

Previous