Lincoln in Lancaster County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
"America's Mission"
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., June 22, 2013
1. "America's Mission" Marker
On February 22, 1899, William Jennings Bryan gave one of the most renowned speeches in American History. The presentation, given in Washington, D.C., was entitled, "America's Mission". He spoke of purpose and direction and challenge, and proclaimed that Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice."
While the substance of his speech focused on issues that are not perhaps relevant today, the fundamental principles he outlined certainly ring true in any era; destiny is not a matter of chance, but of choice, for a nation, for a state, for a team, for a person.
- Chris W. Eskridge, Ph.D.
Professor of Criminal Justice
University of Nebraska
Erected by University of Nebraska - Linconln.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Communications • Government & Politics • Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical date for this entry is February 22, 1899.
Location. 40° 49.31′ N, 96° 42.363′ W. Marker is in Lincoln, Nebraska, in Lancaster County. It can be reached from 10th Street. Marker is at the entrance to the Osborne Athletic Complex at Memorial Stadium,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and on the prairies. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Osborne Athletic Complex (here, next to this marker); Mueller Tower at University of Nebraska-Lincoln (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pershing Rifles (approx. Ό mile away); Mammuthus Columbi (approx. Ό mile away); The University of Nebraska (approx. Ό mile away); Hardy Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); Original Site of St. Paul Methodist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lincoln's Founding Block (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lincoln.
Also see . . . William Jennings Bryan, US Secretary of State. (Submitted on July 19, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., June 22, 2013
2. "America's Mission" Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., June 22, 2013
3. Osborne Athletic Complex at Memorial Stadium
Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,238 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 19, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
