The history of Omaha dates back hundreds of years. Native Americans originally lived in the area, but the city’s emergence as a center for manufacturing and trade brought white settlers from the northeast United States a few years later. While most early Omaha residents were Yankees, the city would eventually become home to diverse ethnic groups. The 1910 census showed that 96.4% of the city’s population was white, while only 3.6% of residents were black. The city also had significant Jewish communities in neighborhoods like Sheelytown and Gophertown, and the area has an African-American population.
A popular hiking area in Omaha is the Zorinsky Lake. With 770 acres of public access land surrounding the lake, the park is a serene, beautiful oasis for hikers and bikers. This park is home to numerous scenic trails and features a bridge trail section. The lake is surrounded by picnic areas, playgrounds, and a walking/biking trail. This 1.3-mile-long trail loop features flat terrain and several views of the Omaha skyline.
The Metro Trails System links parks, sports complexes, and flood control reservoirs. The Omaha Trails System provides an alternative transportation option, as there are no parking fees and no fitness tests. Families can bike to and from work on a daily basis and explore a variety of landscapes. The trail system is expanding and will link Omaha to Lincoln. With the bridge, it will be possible to connect the two cities via a shared trail system.
The area around Omaha has several beautiful lakes and several parks, including a nature preserve. The city’s parks and recreation department holds free activities and events throughout the year. Visitors can also hike at the Fontenelle Forest, which boasts 26 miles of trails and the area’s largest accessible boardwalk. As with any major city, Omaha has its fair share of attractions. Just make sure to plan enough time to experience them all. There’s something for everyone in Omaha!
Omaha’s population grew rapidly from the 1880s to the early 1900s, but was halted by the Great Depression and a blizzard in 1888. However, despite these challenges, the city’s population eventually reached two million by the end of the nineteenth century. Its growing importance in transportation helped it earn its nickname as the “Gateway to the West.”
A rich history of meat packing in Omaha helped the city rise to national prominence. The city boasted four of the top five meatpacking companies in the United States by 1950. Eventually, though, the city had overtaken Chicago as the world’s largest meatpacking hub. By 1955, Omaha had overtaken Chicago as the country’s largest meatpacking center. Its meatpacking industry also brought a booming economic climate to the city.
Music is another important aspect of Omaha’s culture. Its rich history of popular culture includes notable musical acts such as Anna Mae Winburn’s Cotton Club Boys and Lloyd Hunter’s Seranaders. There is also an active performing arts community, including the Orpheum Theater and the Rose Theatre. As for museums, Omaha is home to the Joslyn Art Museum, which was founded in 1931. Its collections include an extensive selection of works of art, and the Omaha Children’s Museum was founded in 1976.