Category: History of Nebraska

18th century, 19th century, 20th century, African Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, Black businesses, Black churches, Black communities, Black culture, Black History, Black people, Black spaces and places, Culture, Enslaved Person, events, Geography, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Military, Ownership, Racism, Segregation, Settlements, society, weatherLeave a comment
This is a cornfield that resembles what would have covered the Minne Lusa neighborhood before 1916.

A History of Rural Black Nebraska

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The history of African Americans in rural Nebraska encompasses a resilient existence from the territorial period through the early 20th century. This article shares stories of migration, homesteading, and the establishment of all-Black towns. and explores the systemic racism and environmental challenges ultimately dismantled these communities. Today, the heritage of Black pioneers in Nebraska is largely forgotten. Continue reading A History of Rural Black Nebraska

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Black communities, Black History, Civil Rights Movement, Economics, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Racism, Segregation, societyLeave a comment
A History of African Americans in Grand Island, Nebraska, by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of African Americans in Grand Island, Nebraska

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Grand Island, Nebraska, holds a rich history of African American communities since the 1870s, establishing thriving neighborhoods and institutions. This story shows the community continues to be resilient with ongoing struggles for equality and acknowledgment. Continue reading A History of African Americans in Grand Island, Nebraska

Americans, Black History, Black people, events, History of Nebraska, Lost historyLeave a comment
This is Nebraska Black History by Adam Fletcher Sasse.

Nebraska Black History

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The history of African Americans in Nebraska showcases resilience amidst systemic racism and violence. Despite facing persistent discrimination, Black people have contributed significantly to civil rights, economic growth, cultural achievements, and much more, shaping Nebraska’s identity and legacy. This is Nebraska Black History by Adam Fletcher Sasse. Continue reading Nebraska Black History

16th century, 17th century, 18th century, Americans, Black History, Black people, Black spaces and places, Enslaved Person, Ethnicities & Races, Europeans, French, Government, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Immigrants, Lost history, Missouri River, Mormons, Native Americans, Omaha, Pioneer era, Racism, Spanish, White peopleLeave a comment
York (1770 – before 1832) was the first African American in Omaha. He was a slave belonging to William Clark of the 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition.

A History of Black People in the Omaha Area Before 1850

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Black trappers, traders, pioneers, and farmers were in the Omaha area before the city was founded. This is a history of Black people in the Omaha area before 1854 by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com. Continue reading A History of Black People in the Omaha Area Before 1850

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Banks, Bar or Tavern, Buildings, Commercial vernacular, Florence, History museums, History of Nebraska, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Newspapers, North 30th Street, Official Omaha Landmark, Pioneer eraLeave a comment
This is a history of the Bank of Florence by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Bank of Florence

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a history of the Bank of Florence in North Omaha, including its usages as a bank, newspaper office, Old West Saloon and horse stable, and as a museum today. Continue reading A History of the Bank of Florence

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Belt Line, Belt Line Railway, Buildings, business, Civic Infrastructure, Creighton University, Crime, Culture, Demolished buildings, Downtown, Government, Highways, Historic districts, History of Nebraska, Immigrants, Jefferson Square, Lost history, Native Americans, Neighborhoods, North 16th Street, North Downtown, Omaha Police Department, Organizations, Pioneer era, Politics, Poverty, schools, White flight, White people, Wrecked buildings2 Comments
North Downtown Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Jefferson Square Neighborhood

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of Omaha’s first public park; first public school; it’s Native American neighborhood; and it’s “Hobo Park,” all wrapped up in one. This is a history of Jefferson Square in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Jefferson Square Neighborhood

20th century, 21st century, Black History, Black leader, Black organizations, Black people, Black spaces and places, events, History of Nebraska, music, nightlife, North 24th Street, North 30th Street, Organizations, Parades, Social clubs1 Comment
This is a history of the Native Omaha Festival, formerly called Native Omaha Days, by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Native Omahans Festival

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the Native Omaha Festival, which has happened biennially in North Omaha, Nebraska since 1976. Continue reading A History of the Native Omahans Festival

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Belt Line Railway, Bemis Park, Bemis Park Landmark Heritage District, Benson, Buildings, business, Civic Infrastructure, Cuming Street, Economics, Government, Highways, Historic districts, Historic houses, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Kellom Heights, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Lost history, Military, Military Avenue, Near North Side, North 24th Street, North 30th Street, North 40th Street, North Downtown, Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Co., Parks, Pioneer era, Politics, Prospect Hill Cemetery, Saddle Creek, Water, White flight, White people, Wrecked buildings14 Comments

A History of the Military Road in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of Military Road aka Military Avenue in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Military Road in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, African Methodist Episcopal, Art, Baptist, Black churches, Black culture, Black educators, Black History, Black organizations, Black people, Black performers, Black spaces and places, Books, Buildings, Churches, Civil Rights Movement, Clubs, clubs, Culture, Government, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Jazz, Lost history, music, nightlife, Religion, schools, Segregation, Social clubs, Social halls, Social services, society, Theatres, United Methodist, White flight, White people5 Comments
This is a history of the music of North Omaha, by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

A History of Music in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a summary of a LOT of music in North Omaha over the last 150 years, including jazz, soul, blues, hip hop, gospel, pop, and so much more. Get introduced some of the people, places, events, and more from North Omaha’s musical history. Continue reading A History of Music in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Activism, Black History, Black people, Black politicians, Black spaces and places, business, Civil Rights Movement, Culture, Economics, Europeans, General history, Historic districts, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Immigrants, Industry, Jewish, Lake Street, Legislators, Near North Side, North 16th Street, North 24th Street, Politics, Poverty, Race riot, Racism, Religion, Segregation, Wealth, White flight, White peopleLeave a comment
Rabbi Arthur J. Lelyveld speech 1968

A History of Relations between Jews and African Americans in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of relations between Black people and Jews in Omaha, Nebraska. It details instances, occasions, places and spaces where the Jewish community interacted with the Black community in the city. Continue reading A History of Relations between Jews and African Americans in Omaha

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, 20th century, Biographies, business, doctors, History of Nebraska, Miller Park, Newspapers, Pioneer era, Politics, Racism, Railroads, real estate, Wealth, White people3 Comments
Dr. George L. Miller, North Omaha, Nebraska

A Biography of Dr. George L. Miller

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a biography of Dr. George L. Miller (1830-1920), a prominent businessman and controversial racist from Omaha’s history. Continue reading A Biography of Dr. George L. Miller

20th century, 21st century, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Demolished buildings, Economics, Government, Highways, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Near North Side, North Omaha, Politics, Racism, Segregation, Streets, White flight, Wrecked buildings7 Comments

A History of the North Freeway in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

First conceptualized in 1954, it took almost 40 years for North Omaha’s highest high speed corridor to be completed. This is a history of the North Freeway. Continue reading A History of the North Freeway in Omaha

19th century, Churches, Demolished buildings, Florence, General history, Government, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Monmouth Park, Mormons, North 30th Street, Pioneer era, Religion, Settlements, Wrecked buildings3 Comments
Winter Quarters, Indian Country, 1846

A History of Winter Quarters

Adam Fletcher Sasse

In 1846, a town emerged on the western bank of the Missouri River. Although it only existed for a few years, there were a lot of elements that resembled a regular town, and its impact is still felt today. This … Continue reading A History of Winter Quarters

20th century, Black leader, Black organizations, Black spaces and places, Culture, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Organizations, Segregation, Social clubs, societyLeave a comment
"Mayor of Bronzeville," Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Omaha’s “Black Mayor”

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Since its founding in 1854, the City of Omaha has never had a publicly elected Black mayor. For a period in from the 1930s through the 1940s though, there was a Black mayor competition held. This is a history of that position. Continue reading A History of Omaha’s “Black Mayor”

20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Architecture, Art, Black businesspeople, Black organizations, Black spaces and places, business, Civil Rights Movement, Culture, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lake Street, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, SegregationLeave a comment
Carver Savings and Loan Association, 2416 Lake Street, 24th and Lake Historic District, North Omaha, Nebraska.

History of the Carver Savings and Loan Association

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the Carver Bank in North Omaha, the first-ever Black-owned bank in Nebraska. Continue reading History of the Carver Savings and Loan Association

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Activism, Americans, Biographies, Black athletes, Black businesspeople, Black leader, Black people, Black politicians, Education, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Legislators, Lost history, society3 Comments

Notable African American Women in Omaha History

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Black women in Omaha have done all kinds of work as mothers, businesswomen, teachers, ministers, politicians, and in other roles to make the community great. This is a history of some of the notable African American women in North Omaha. Continue reading Notable African American Women in Omaha History

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Ames Avenue, Architecture, Belt Line, Buildings, business, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, Expo Grounds, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Houses, Industry, Intersections, North 16th Street, North 24th Street, Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Co., Organizations, Politics, Saratoga, Wealth, White flightLeave a comment
Suburban Theatre, North Omaha, Nebraska

A Timeline of the History of Saratoga

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a timeline of the history of the Saratoga neighborhood in North Omaha, including the intersection of 24th and Ames. Included here are events, places and people central to the neighborhood’s existence as a pioneer town, leafy suburb, and a seemingly abandoned urban neighborhood. Continue reading A Timeline of the History of Saratoga

20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Black leader, Black organizations, Culture, General history, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lake Street, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Near North SideLeave a comment

A Biography of Bertha Calloway

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a biography of historian and North Omaha leader Bertha Calloway (1925-2017). She was a Civil Rights activist, museum founder, historian, author, student, educator, speaker, promoter, playwright, journalist, administrator, mentor, wife and mother. Continue reading A Biography of Bertha Calloway

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Civic Infrastructure, Economics, Florence, Government, Highways, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Missouri River, Mormons, North 30th Street, Politics, Ponca Hills, Wyman Heights10 Comments
Mormon Pioneer Memorial Bridge, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Mormon Bridge in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Built on the rock bottom of the Missouri River, dreams of today’s Mormon Bridge go back to 1846. This article explores the history of the bridge, the ferries, the politics and more. Continue reading A History of the Mormon Bridge in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Carter Lake, Demolished buildings, East Omaha, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Industry, Manufacturing, Missouri River, Parks, Public health, Wrecked buildings1 Comment
Carter White Lead Company, Omaha

A History of the Carter White Lead Company Factory in East Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

For 40 years, one plant poisoned North Omaha with heinous disregard. This is a history of the Carter White Lead Company factory in East Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Carter White Lead Company Factory in East Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architects, Architecture, Buildings, Catholics, Creighton University, Cuming Street, Healthcare, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Near North Side, North 24th Street, North 30th Street, Racism, Religion, Wrecked buildings2 Comments
1879 Creighton College, Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Creighton University

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of Creighton University, including notable people, places and events throughout its history. Continue reading A History of Creighton University

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Buildings, Creighton University, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Near North Side, North 24th Street, SegregationLeave a comment
Creighton Hall, North 25th and California Streets, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Creighton Hall in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The oldest building at Creighton University has changed radically over the years. However, hints of its past show inside and outside, and wait to be discovered by history explorers! This is a history of the Creighton Hall in North Omaha. … Continue reading A History of Creighton Hall in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Activism, Architecture, Black businesses, Black organizations, Clubs, clubs, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Listed on National Register of Historic Places, music, Near North Side, nightlife, Official Omaha Landmark, real estate, Social halls2 Comments
This is a history of the Dreamland Ballroom in the Jewell Building at 2222 N. 24th St. in North Omaha.

A History of the Jewell Building and Dreamland Ballroom

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the iconic Jewell Building in the 24th and Lake Historic District. It features notable people, organizations, businesses and events there, as well as the architecture and more. Continue reading A History of the Jewell Building and Dreamland Ballroom

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, Architects, Architecture, Florence Boulevard, Government, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Kountze Place, Lost history, North 16th Street, Parks, Segregation, Wrecked buildings3 Comments

A History of the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a history of the 1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition. Continue reading A History of the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, Architecture, Buildings, Culture, Education, historic preservation, History of NebraskaLeave a comment
Girls and Boys Building, Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Girls and Boys Building in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Of all the buildings made for the 1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, the Girls and Boys Building had one of the most joyful, loyal and enthusiastic receptions. Here is a short history of the building. Fundraising for Construction “It was … Continue reading A History of the Girls and Boys Building in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Activism, Architecture, Black churches, Buildings, Churches, Civil Rights Movement, Culture, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lost history, NAACP, Near North Side, Organizations, Religion, Segregation, Wrecked buildings3 Comments
St Philip Episcopal Church, North 21st Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of St. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of a longtime, influential and successful segregated congregation called St Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of St. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, Architecture, Buildings, Expo Grounds, Florence Boulevard, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Kountze Place, Lost history, Wrecked buildings2 Comments
This is the Administration Building, aka the Administrative Arch, at the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Expo in North Omaha, Nebraska in 1898.

A History of the Administration Arch in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a history of the Administrative Building, aka the Administration Arch, at the 1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition held in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Administration Arch in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Activism, Black History, Civil Rights Movement, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Near North Side, Organizations, Politics, Segregation, society3 Comments
Omaha Urban League North Side Community Center, 2213 Lake Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Omaha’s Urban League

Adam Fletcher Sasse

A hallowed history unlike any other organization in the state, the Urban League of Nebraska is committed to, “…lead Nebraska in closing the social economic gap in the African American, other emerging ethnic communities and disadvantaged families in the achievement … Continue reading A History of Omaha’s Urban League

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Belt Line Railway, Carter Lake, Civic Infrastructure, East Omaha, Expo Grounds, Geography, Government, History of Nebraska, Industry, Lost history, Missouri River, Neighborhoods, North 16th Street, Pioneer era, Poverty, Railroads, real estate, Saratoga, Settlements1 Comment
1857 Nebraska Territory map showing Saratoga

A History of Sulphur Springs, Nebraska

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Sulphur Springs was a settlement in the Nebraska Territory from 1854 to 1877. This article shares some of its history. Continue reading A History of Sulphur Springs, Nebraska

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architects, Architecture, Black History, Buildings, Economics, Expo Grounds, Historic houses, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Near North Side, North 16th Street, Racism, Wealth12 Comments
The Sherman, 2501 N. 16th St., North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of The Sherman Apartments

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of one of North Omaha’s most important historical landmarks, The Sherman apartments on North 16th Street. Continue reading A History of The Sherman Apartments

18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, business, Civic Infrastructure, Cuming Street, Economics, Ethnicities & Races, Food, History of Nebraska, Industry, Lost history, Military, Missouri River, Near North Side, Neighborhoods, North 16th Street, Omaha Claim Club, Pioneer era, Politics, Railroads, real estate, Segregation, society, Transportation, Wrecked buildings7 Comments
North Downtown Omaha, Nebraska

History of Omaha’s North Downtown

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of Omaha’s North Downtown neighborhood. Continue reading History of Omaha’s North Downtown

20th century, Carter Lake, Culture, Demolished buildings, East Omaha, Economics, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Missouri River, music, Organizations, Prairie Park, Segregation, Social clubs, societyLeave a comment
Prairie Park Clubhouse, 2605 Ames Ave, Omaha, NE 68111

A History of the Prairie Park Club

Adam F.C. Fletcher

In the late 1900s, Omahans formed social clubs like the Prairie Park Club to enhance community ties. Established in 1909, it hosted numerous social events and activities. Learn what happened to it here. Continue reading A History of the Prairie Park Club

20th century, Biographies, Black History, Crime, Economics, Ethnicities & Races, Government, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Michael Richardson, Near North Side, OPD, Poindexter and we Langa, Politics, Poverty, Racism, self-published, society2 Comments
This is the cover of "Framed: J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO and the Omaha Two Story," a series by Michael Richardson for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

“FRAMED” Chapter 22 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

In this chapter, Mondo we Langa is quoted saying “…they simply could not let an African man who called police “pigs” get away with that.” Continue reading “FRAMED” Chapter 22 by Michael Richardson

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Americans, Architecture, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, Education, Ethnicities & Races, Government, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Long School, Lost history, Monmouth Park, Near North Side, North Omaha, Politics, Poverty, Race riot, schools, Segregation, society, White flight, Wrecked buildings11 Comments
This is a 1968 pic of a mother and daughter at Saratoga School during a parent night program.

A History of Segregated Schools in Omaha, Nebraska

Adam Fletcher Sasse

There were and are many segregated schools in Omaha, and this is an account of their history. Continue reading A History of Segregated Schools in Omaha, Nebraska

20th century, 21st century, Culture, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Long School, Lost history, Near North Side, Organizations, Politics, Racism, society, Wealth, White flight2 Comments

A History of Ak-Sar-Ben in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Examining the rise and fall of North Omaha requires a long and complicated journey through politics, culture, economics and more. One of the important early anchors of the community demonstrated the ability of one organization to steer things astray. Opening … Continue reading A History of Ak-Sar-Ben in North Omaha

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, Expo Grounds, Government, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Kountze Place, Lost history, Parks, Politics, society, White flight1 Comment
Kountze Park, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of North Omaha’s Kountze Park, Once Called Malcolm X Park

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Malcolm X Memorial Park sits in the heart of North Omaha’s Kountze Place. Discover why you don’t hear about it anymore. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Kountze Park, Once Called Malcolm X Park

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, business, Carter Lake, Culture, East Omaha, Economics, Food, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Missouri River, Neighborhoods, North 16th Street, Poverty, society, Water15 Comments
Truck farm, East Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Truck Farms in East Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

One part of Omaha has stayed in touch with its agricultural roots for more than a century. This is a history of small family farms and the changing landscape in East Omaha. Continue reading A History of Truck Farms in East Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Belt Line Railway, business, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, General history, History of Nebraska, Industry, Lost history, Missouri River, society, Transportation67 Comments
Nicholas Street Viaduct, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Railroads in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Its an understatement to say that railroads helped build North Omaha; they were absolutely vital. Here’s a summary of their history. Continue reading A History of Railroads in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black churches, Churches, Culture, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Religion, society12 Comments
Goodwill Spring Musical Choirs, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Black Churches in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Omaha’s tradition of Black churches started less than a decade after the founding of the city in 1865. With de facto segregation the norm in the city by then, African Americans were denied seats in white churches. Not to be without a spiritual home, the city’s pioneer Blacks founded their own places of worship. This is an introduction to Omaha’s historic Black churches. Continue reading A History of Black Churches in Omaha

Americans, Biographies, Black History, Books, Crime, General history, Historic houses, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, North Omaha, Omaha, Politics, press release, self-published, storytelling, StreetsLeave a comment
This is the cover of North Omaha History: Volume Three by Adam Fletcher Sasse

Dynamic Past, Hope-filled Future: North Omaha History, Volume Three Now On Sale!

Adam Fletcher Sasse

(Olympia, WA: December 1, 2016) The final book of Adam Fletcher Sasse’s series, North Omaha History: Volume Three, is now available from CommonAction Publishing. In the third book of the North Omaha History Series, Adam Fletcher Sasse reveals a lot of the hidden, denied … Continue reading Dynamic Past, Hope-filled Future: North Omaha History, Volume Three Now On Sale!

20th century, Black History, business, Culture, Economics, History of Nebraska, Lost history, North Omaha, Race riot, Racism8 Comments
With Don Davis as Program Director, in 1972, other personalities at North Omaha's KOWH included Erven McSwain, Buddy King, Herman Pearson, Ed Mims, The Magnificent One, and Beverly Blakely.

A History of KOWH, North Omaha’s Radio Station

Adam Fletcher Sasse

In the aftermath of the 1960s riots that ravaged the community, a group of African American investors from North Omaha rallied to invest in technology, and for many, to invest in their home neighborhood. Pulling off a coup, for almost a decade, North Omaha was home to Nebraska’s first radio station and a former bastion of white middle class American culture. Except now it was the home of the city’s Black pride, empowerment and culture. Continue reading A History of KOWH, North Omaha’s Radio Station

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, business, Cemeteries, Central Park, Civic Infrastructure, History of Nebraska11 Comments
North Omaha's historic Central Park Neighborhood extends from N. 33rd to N. 48th St, from Ames Ave to Sorensen Pkwy.

A History of the Central Park Neighborhood in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Tucked away in North Omaha is a historic neighborhood that gets little attention. However, the people who’ve lived there have vibrant memories and meaningful stories that lasted a lifetime. The Central Park neighborhood extends from North 33rd to North 48th Streets, from Ames Avenue to Sorenson Parkway. Located west of the town of Saratoga, it was never an incorporated town like its neighbors in Irvington or Benson. A lot of the oral histories of the area talked about it being a rural community, surrounded by farms and fields, orchards and more. Rising from cornfields and hills, the Central Park neighborhood has a long history starting in the 1880s. Here are details I could find about the neighborhood. Continue reading A History of the Central Park Neighborhood in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, North 24th Street, society1 Comment
Elks Club Iroquois Lodge 92 2420 Lake Street Omaha, Nebraska

A History of North Omaha’s Elks Hall and Iroquois Lodge 92

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Starting in 1905, the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World, also called the black Elks, met in North Omaha. They were determined to help foster positive social connections, build community and foster growth within Omaha’s African American community. Almost 100 years later, it keeps going. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Elks Hall and Iroquois Lodge 92

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Black History, business, Culture, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Racism6 Comments
African American owned newspapers in Omaha, Nebraska

A History of African American Newspapers in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

North Omaha’s African American culture has grown and changed dramatically since its founding in 1854. One of the main drivers of the culture for more than a century has been the Black media. From the time Omaha’s first Black newspaper was published in 1889 through Shanelle Williams’ continued use of Facebook, Twitter and other social media today to build the African American community in Omaha, Black media has continued to transform the North Omaha community and the city at large. Continue reading A History of African American Newspapers in Omaha

20th century, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, History of Nebraska, Industry, Lost history, society21 Comments
This is a history of the Belt Line Railway in North Omaha from 1883 to 1987 by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of North Omaha’s Belt Line Railway

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Almost a decade ago, I stumbled across stories of a railroad that looped around Omaha. Different sources told crazy realities, including conflicting ownership, court cases, and the rise and fall of several neighborhoods in North Omaha. I was fascinated that I saw this track all the time when I was growing up, but I never knew its story, so I started researching. I read articles and pamphlets, books and maps. After that, I started an article on Wikipedia to share what I’d found. Well, as you know, that’s never enough for me. With some recent encouragement from John Peterson, a fine Omaha history writer, I am going to expand here on what I’ve researched and learned about the Belt Line Railway in North Omaha. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Belt Line Railway

20th century, 21st century, Florence, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Mormons, North 30th Street, society1 Comment
Mormon Tree, Florence, Nebraska 1920

A History of the Mormon Tree in Florence, Nebraska

Adam F.C. Fletcher

The Mormon Tree, also called the Brigham Young Tree, has loomed over my studies of Florence history for a decade now. I’ve seen mentions of it in old newspapers and heard stories about it from older people. However, I couldn’t find anything about it all this time. Until last month. Finally, after all these years, I wrote the Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters to ask about the Mormon Tree. Continue reading A History of the Mormon Tree in Florence, Nebraska

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Historic houses, History of Nebraska, Houses, Miller Park, society5 Comments
Miller Park Duplex Historic District, N. 24th and Himbaugh Ave., North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Miller Park Duplex Historic District in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Immediately after World War II, there was a rush of soldiers flush with government money that allowed them to buy homes and build families right away. A lot of North Omaha finished in-filling during this period, with houses constructed in just a few months and selling a lot quicker than that. Spread across a few streets in the Miller Park neighborhood, one set of these homes created an architecturally distinct area that should be designated as a historic district and preserved quickly. Continue reading A History of the Miller Park Duplex Historic District in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black History, business, Crime, Economics, General history, Government, History of Nebraska, Industry, Lost history, Poverty, Public health, Racism, White flight6 Comments

History of Lead Poisoning in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

For more than 15 years, the Environmental Protection Agency has been fighting lead poisoning in North Omaha as part of a citywide environmental cleanup focused on the 27-square-miles east of 72nd Street. Continue reading History of Lead Poisoning in North Omaha

18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Cemeteries, Culture, History of Nebraska, Religion, societyLeave a comment
SAVE HISTORIC CEMETERIES IN NORTH OMAHA.

A History of Cemeteries in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Did you know that North Omaha has at least eight historic cemeteries? Serving religious and ethnic populations as well as the general public, these are the final resting places of thousands of people from the 1840s through today. Continue reading A History of Cemeteries in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, business, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Cuming Street, historic preservation, History of Nebraska12 Comments
Cuming Street at North 25th, looking west towards the Robert's Dairy and Tech High School.

A History of North Omaha’s Cuming Street

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Now seen as the front door to Omaha, Cuming Street has also served as the city’s farthest edge; as the growing, mighty muscles of industry and business; and as its dirty, neglected backside. This article highlights the history of Cuming Street, from its beginnings through to present day. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Cuming Street

20th century, 21st century, Black History, business, Culture, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Politics, society4 Comments
The Omaha Star building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Photo by Joe Kinney.

History of the Omaha Star

Adam F.C. Fletcher

More than 65 years ago, a newspaper was launched to serve Omaha’s African American community. Coming from a legacy of several Black newspapers before it, the paper was launched by the visionary Mildred Brown and her husband Ed Gilbert. Losing its direct competitors within a decade, The Omaha Star became the city’s Civil Rights media champion, refusing to print negative news and constantly focusing on keeping it positive. The original banner was “Joy and Happiness”, and the only told good news. Continue reading History of the Omaha Star