Nebraska: Antelope State (nickname)

Nebraska had many antelope in its fields in the 19th century. The Nebraska nickname of “Antelope State” has been cited in print since at least 1866.
 
Nebraska has also been called the “Bug Eaters State,” the “Cornhusker State” and the “Tree Planters State.”
   
 
22 March 1866, Louisville (KY) Daily Journal, “Nicknames,” pg. 1, col. 4:
Nebraska, Antelope State.
 
7 April 1866, The Daily Cleveland Herald (Cleveland, OH), “Geographical Nicknames,” pg. 2, col. 2:
... Nebraska, Antelope State; ...
 
Nebraska Newspapers
14 March 1872, Nebraska Herald (Plattsmouth, NE), “The National Agricultural Convention,” pg. 1, col. 5:
We were glad to see that all important subject of replacing in some way the loss of the immense forests of the old and formerly heavily timbered States was under consideration, and shows that those residing elsewhere than in the “Antelope” State or “Great American Desert,” are troubled about the rapid rate our forests are disappearing.
 
Nebraska Newspapers
6 June 1872,  Nebraska Herald (Plattsmouth, NE), “Immigration,” pg. 4, col. 1:
They will reap an abundant reward for their labors, and will call the day “blessed,” that firs welcomed them to the “Antelope” State.