This is a cornfield that resembles what would have covered the Minne Lusa neighborhood before 1916.

A History of Rural Black Nebraska

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

Winter Quarters, Indian Country, 1846

A History of Winter Quarters

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

1857 Nebraska Territory map showing Saratoga

A History of Sulphur Springs, Nebraska

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

A History of the Lost Towns in North Omaha

There are several lost towns and villages located inside present-day North Omaha. Over time, they’ve been annexed, absorbed and otherwise soaked into the fabric of the city of Omaha and largely forgotten. Only Florence and Benson have retained distinctive identities as dedicated former towns. The rest are almost wholly missing from the pubic record. This is a history of lost towns in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Lost Towns in North Omaha

This is a line map of the former town of East Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Town of East Omaha

Once upon a time, there was an unincorporated town of 2,400 people south of Eppley Airfield, west of the Missouri River. A school, stores, bars, churches and a large dump were fixtures in the community. Today, its almost entirely gone and memories are quickly disappearing. This is a history of the town of East Omaha… Continue reading A History of the Town of East Omaha

Florence, Nebraska map from 1923

A History of the Florence Neighborhood

The history of Florence begins with the tangled clopping of horse hooves and rattling of the sideboards on beat up wagons. The story of the town begins with people leaving, people coming back, a town booming, a town shrinking, and then getting annexed into Omaha and calming down. It’s a story that’s still being written every day, and lately things are on the up and up! Continue reading A History of the Florence Neighborhood