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Omaha Skyline

History of Omaha, NE

Omaha's history began way before the settlement of itself. It started as a part of what was known as the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Open plains that were the central US were once uncharted land and it had unknown potential as well for a nation that was developing. There was a treaty that began with Omaha Tribes and that is how Omaha City was founded in July of 1854. Jumpers as well as squatters came with the settlement of this city, and there was also a vigilante group of law people that was referred to as being Omaha Claim Club. This was one of a few other clubs that was in the Midwest. There were other cities' founders that received quite a bit in the town of Scriptown. This club started having violent ways and this in turn resulted in a Supreme Court trial that would be known as Morton vs. Baker.

In 1857 there was a panic as the city suffered setbacks as cities were competing for others' business from farmers. This city over time became known as Nebraska's biggest city. Nebraska lost its state capitol in 1867 to Lincoln and this resulted in various businesses railing and therefore creating a Jobbers Canyon. This helped them construct a mansion that was known as Old Gold Coast.

White Contact with Native Americans

Omaha is located near the Platte River as well as the Missouri River and this has made it a prime spot of transferring goods and even people. From the 1600s, the Sioux, Pawnee, and Otoe have stayed and occupied this land. In the years of the 18th century as well as the 19th century, Indians that were along the Missouri River began moving towards Bellevue, Nebraska.

There was an outbreak of smallpox and there were many who suffered with disease and degradation which eliminated all buffalo and therefore the loss of property happened as well. The year 1856 brought Omaha selling claims and therefore relocating to what is now known as Thurston County.

European Settlement

In the year 1804, there was a Clark and Lewis Expedition which would pass later on by river banks and these were founded by Omaha a few years later. There was a camp that was located by what is now Bellevue in July and then on the 17th Clark and Fields began searching some of the mounds. That very night both decided to stay somewhere that is now known as Eppley Airfield.

This particular expedition came to a halt 20 miles to the north of what is now Omaha. This is where they met Otoe tribes. A meeting of the council was held near the present Mississippi River and this was when a black person was present. He came with Clark on his expedition and his name was York.

In the year 1825 there was a man who was a fur trader who was known as J.B. Royce and he began building on the plateau. That very location became abandoned and in a matter of 20 years became decayed.

During the earlier years of the city, there was not a need for sheriffs or policemen. Omaha saw its first preacher who was known as Moses F. Shinn. Many of the city's pioneers got buried in the Prospect Hill Cemetery. Omaha became the state's capitol in the year 1854.

The city has a few historical landmarks that include Fort Lisa and the city has become a part of National Register of historical Places. The downtown area features plaques that explain the building of Omaha as well as the initial burial.

 
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