Traveling through Nebraska, particularly along its scenic byways and historic routes, often leads one to encounter striking roadside attractions. Some of the most fascinating of these are the 'Lincoln's Heritage Trees' – a collection of historic trees throughout the state with ties to the life of President Abraham Lincoln, the nation's 16th president. Designated by the Nebraska State Board of Education in the 1950s and 60s as a tribute to the historical significance of these trees, this series captures the complex relationship between the President and the state.

Located near Gothenburg, along the Platte River Road, the 'Pony Express Cottonwood' is an example of the region's Heritage Trees. It is a massive, ancient cottonwood that has silently stood witness to the dramatic history of the region, and this particular tree was said to have provided shade for early travelers and Pony Express riders. Also designated as a Heritage Tree, 'The Homestead Tree', located near the village of Tobias in Saline County, is an ancient bur oak situated on the grounds of a historic homestead. This tree was standing when Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act into law in 1862, revolutionizing land ownership and development throughout the American West.

While many national icons – including Mount Rushmore – exist across the United States, few have achieved the same levels of preservation as the Heritage Trees of Nebraska. Composed predominantly of state and national historical preservation societies, these preservation efforts resulted in the protection of each tree in their respective locations. One significant example is the 'Council Oak' from Lincoln, designated as a Heritage Tree and a state historic landmark. The 'Council Oak' – which was a stopping place for early travelers on the Mormon Trail – marked the site where early Kansas-Nebraska settlers met to discuss founding the city that would ultimately become the state capitol.

Lincoln's deep connection with the land can also be evidenced in the manner in which the President was known to interact with trees, as reflected in various accounts of his daily routines. Historians often mention that the President spent countless hours among the oak and maple trees at the Soldiers' Home in Washington D.C., seeking solace amidst turmoil. And in particular, an interview that Abraham Lincoln granted to a former University of Nebraska professor of English provides significant insight into the personal depth behind his conservationist tendencies.

The presence of the Heritage Trees illuminates President Lincoln's values on resource protection. Thus, as his thoughts of environmental practices grew, ultimately resonated deeply throughout the government – leaving lasting impressions on policies for sustainable resource management within the United States' Public Lands.