Schmap Omaha Historical Background

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Omaha - Historical Background
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Omaha Home
Schmap Omaha guide and map

What was once a vast expanse of prairie land and home to the native Omaha, Otoe, Pawnee and Ponca tribes is now one of the fastest growing urban areas in the Midwest. One of the first documented explorers in the area was Sieur de La Salle, a Frenchman who traveled the wilderness in the late 1600s. He named the area Louisiana and claimed the entire region, including Nebraska, in the name of France. For years, possession of the land shuffled between France and Spain, with ownership eventually granted to France by the Treaty of San Ildefonso in 1800.

Three years later, the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory under the Treaty of Paris for $15 million. This acquisition opened the area for exploration and eventual colonization. Two of the first Americans to experience the beauty of this vast prairie wilderness were Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Their legendary 1804 expedition along the Missouri River brought their party of explorers to Omaha's front door when a council was held with the Otoe and Missouri Indians, in the area now known as Fort Calhoun.

“Gateway to the West”

When reports of Lewis and Clark's journey reached the already-tamed East Coast, adventurous men and women alike packed up their homes and families and began the treacherous trek westward. The abundance of wide-open land, the endless supplies of food and furs, and the possibility of striking gold were attractive to these dream seekers and fortune hunters. Referred to as the "Gateway to the West," Omaha had a proximity to the Missouri River that made it the perfect stopping-off point during the long journey west. The Oregon Trail crossed through Omaha, bringing millions of travelers through the area. Deep ruts carved by the covered wagons are still visible today. Mormons heading westward toward Utah set up Winter Quarters just north of town in what is now known as Florence. The harsh winter of 1846-1847 claimed more than 600 lives, and the Mormon Cemetery still stands on the site.

Founding of the City

In 1854, the Omaha tribe relinquished its hold on the land, and with the assistance of the Kansas-Nebraska bill, the Nebraska Territory was opened for settlement. With this bill, the city of Omaha was founded. Omaha, which means "above all others upon a stream," was named for the outcast Indian tribe. Initially, housing lots were free to anyone who would make improvements on them, but within three years, these same lots were sold for $4,000 each. As more people streamed into Omaha, shops, hotels, saloons and restaurants began springing up in and around the area now known as downtown. In 1860, Omaha drew national attention when Edward Creighton, for whom Creighton University is named, strung the first telegraph wires west. The Omaha-to-San Francisco line was completed two years later. In 1863, President Lincoln chose Omaha as the eastern terminus for the first transcontinental railroad. These historic developments would impact Omaha for years to come: Omaha currently boasts more than two-dozen telecommunications centers and is considered the "800-number capital of the nation." It is also home to the Union Pacific Railroad, one of the biggest railroad organizations in the country.

Statehood

Nebraska was granted statehood in 1867, at a time when Omaha's population had grown to more than 30,000. The city's astonishing growth continued with the opening of the area's first meat packing plant in 1871, the founding of Creighton University in 1878, and the formation of warehouse and shopping districts and the establishment of the Union Stockyards in the 1880s.

Significance in World History

1888 saw the opening of Fort Crook, a military establishment that would later become part of Offutt Air Force Base, home to the Strategic Air Command. Located within the Fort Crook facility was Martin Aircraft Corporation, builder of the legendary B-29 bombers the Enola Gay, which dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945, and Bock's Car, which was used to drop the atomic bomb on Nagasaki three days later.

Golden Age

The 1898 Trans-Mississippi Exposition brought worldwide attention to Omaha and is considered the start of the "Golden Age" for the Nebraska farmer. In 1917, Father Edward Flanagan founded Girls and Boys Town, "a city within a city" for disadvantaged and troubled youth. Omaha continued to experience tremendous growth during the 20s, 30s and 40s. By 1948, Omaha was the largest supplier of meat products in the nation, generating more than $5 billion dollars for the city's thriving economy.

Bright and Brilliant Future

Modern-day Omaha offers the best of both worlds, in that it combines the benefits of big city life with the warmth and friendliness of a small town. With more than 700,000 citizens, the city is a cosmopolitan urban center with scores of excellent restaurants, a world-class zoo, a regional medical center, 11 colleges and an active entertainment community. Builders recently broke ground on a multi-million dollar arena/convention center located just north of downtown, a testament to the exciting future that awaits those visiting and living in Omaha.

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Creighton University

Named #1 in the Midwest by "US News"

2500 California Street
Omaha, NE 68178
United States
+1 402 280 2700
http://www.creighton.edu

Established in 1870, this widely respected Jesuit college enrolls more than 6,000 students each year. Creighton was honored with the number one ranking in 'U.S. News and World Report' listing of top colleges in the Midwest region. Stressing student growth in mind, body and spirit, Creighton includes undergraduate, graduate and doctoral study programs in Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Dentistry, Law, Medicine, Pharmacy and Nursing. The focal point of the campus is St. John's Cathedral, a breathtaking Gothic Revival structure of Early English Lancet style.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Creighton University photo by Andrew Specht

Photo: Andrew Specht

Creighton University photo by S. Joyce Whipp

Photo: S. Joyce Whipp

Photo: Andrew Specht

Photo: S. Joyce Whipp

Creighton University photo by Troy Johnson

Photo: Troy Johnson

Photo: Michael

Photo: coalbee

Creighton University photo by John.Workman

Photo: John.Workman

Downtown

Omaha
United States
When the first settlers set up camp on the western banks of the Missouri River, the city of Omaha was born. What was once the site of these early dirt roads and crude, makeshift buildings is now a bustling urban area. The Old Market, located just minutes from Eppley Airport, is an agglomeration of renovated brick warehouses occupied by restaurants, shops, bars, apartments, condos and art galleries. Quaint, old-style lampposts, uneven brick streets, horse-drawn carriages and street-side musicians make the area a favorite with locals and tourists alike. Enjoy an intimate dinner at V. Mertz, down a cold brew at Mr. Toad or shop for the latest fashions at Nouvelle Eve. Downtown is also a haven for the arts. The Joslyn Art Museum, the Orpheum Theater, the Durham Western Heritage Museum, the Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center, Jackson Art Works, the Civic Auditorium and more are all located here.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Priya K
Photo: Susie
Photo: Trey Cauley
Photo: Trey Cauley
Photo: Brian Lau
Photo: Jason Greenman
Photo: tapescraper
Photo: Haimanti Weld

Photo: Matthew Thielker
Photo: Ethan Bloch
Photo: sf
Photo: gabinator
Photo: David Camerer
Photo: Lara Adkins
Photo: Ken Maurer
Photo: Roofer 1

Girls and Boys Town

The original Boys Town 13700 West Dodge Road
Omaha, NE 68010
United States
+1 402 498 1140
http://www.boystown.org/home.htm This National Historic Landmark tells a story dating back to 1917. What started as a small home for troubled and abandoned boys has grown into a campus complete with a Hall of History, All-American Rose and Biblical Gardens, the Leon Myers Stamp Center and more. Visitors can even enjoy a bit of Hollywood: Spencer Tracy's Oscar for his portrayal of Father Flanagan in the movie "Boys Town" is on display. Boys Town is open year-round. Free guided tours are available but generous donors are welcome.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: develeth

Mormon Pioneer Cemetery

Site tells historic tale 3215 State Street
Omaha, NE 68112
United States
+1 402 453 9372 Landmarks and monuments pay tribute to the religious pioneers who traveled the 1,300 miles of the Mormon Trail. The route took the Mormons along the northern edge of Omaha. This site, known as the Winter Quarters, is a significant stop; it marks the pioneers' winter camp of 1846. The more than 600 Mormons who died here due to the harsh weather are buried in a nearby cemetery. Free daily tours detail this historic trek.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Jacob Tripp

Offutt Air Force Base

Home of the Strategic Air Command 307 Building St
Omaha, NE 68123
United States
+1 402 294 2276 One of the most respected and widely recognized military bases in the world, this command center's mission is to "deter military attack on the United States and its allies, and should deterrence fail, employ forces so as to achieve national objectives."

Located in Bellevue, the Strategic Air Command (or STRATCOM) employs men and women from all four forces (Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines) to preserve peace throughout the world.

Public tours are available by reservation only and close three days prior to the tour date.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Defensor Fortis
Photo: Evan Markfield

Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Omaha - Historical Background"
Omaha
Omaha - Neighborhood Guide
Omaha - Where to Stay
Omaha - Dining & Drinking
Omaha - Art & Entertainment
Other nearby cities:
Minneapolis (473 miles)
St. Louis (570 miles)
Oklahoma City (654 miles)
Chicago (672 miles)
Denver (777 miles)
Boulder (794 miles)
Memphis (863 miles)
Dallas (937 miles)
Fort Worth (938 miles)
Nashville (985 miles)

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