In 1854, among the pioneers moving into the Nebraska Territory was a man named Julius Sterling Morton. He became the editor of a local newspaper called “The Nebraska City News” and in that forum, he was able to spread agricultural information and his enthusiasm for trees.
There weren’t that many trees on the Nebraska plains during those times and trees were needed for windbreaks to help keep soil in place. They were also needed as a source for fuel and building materials.
In his articles, he encouraged individuals, civic organizations and groups to plant trees. He was appointed Secretary of Nebraska Territory by President James Buchanan in 1858 and that provided another opportunity for him to stress the value of trees.
In January, 1872, Morton was at a meeting of the State Board of Agriculture when he first proposed a tree-planting holiday. The date was set for April 10, 1872. They offered prizes to counties and individuals for planting the largest number of trees. The idea was a success and on that first Arbor Day, they estimate that over one million trees were planted.
In 1885, Arbor Day was named a legal holiday in Nebraska and the day of April 22nd was selected because that was Morton’s birthday.
Other states passed legislation to observe Arbor Day and it became a nationwide tradition in schools in 1882.
Today, many countries observe a similar holiday and we all owe a debt of gratitude to Julius Sterling Morton for his inspiration.
“Each generation takes the earth as trustees.”
—J. Sterling Morton
