Omaha’s Florence Historic District

At the far north end of North Omaha is a community that’s among the oldest in Nebraska. Established in 1846 as Winter Quarters, Indian Territory, today the neighborhood is called Florence. Although not recognized as a formal historic district, the area is smashed full of historic depth, relevance, and meaning that has defined the State of Nebraska and the City of Omaha for more than a century. Following are the articles I’ve written related to Florence that prove that it should be a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a historic landmark preservation district by the City of Omaha Landmark Heritage Preservation Commission.

Florence North Market Square, North Omaha, Nebraska — Florence’s Filmore Park was once called North Market Square, and was a place of commerce when the town was young.

Overview of Omaha’s Florence Historic District

History of the Florence Neighborhood

Historic Businesses in Omaha’s Florence Historic District

Florence Mill, 9102 North 30th Street
Florence Depot, 9000 North 30th Street
Zesto’s, 8608 North 30th Street
Bank of Florence, 8502 North 30th Street

Historic Organizations in Omaha’s Florence Historic District

Florence Building, 8702 North 30th Street
Florence Masonic Temple, 8223 North 30th Street
Florence Home for the Elderly, 7915 North 30 Street
Vennelyst Park, 9100 N 31st Street

Historic Businesses in Omaha’s Florence Historic District

Price Building, 8607 North 30th Street
J. S. Paul Building, 8601 North 30 Street
Joyo Theatre, N. 30th and Tucker Streets

Historic Churches in Omaha’s Florence Historic District

Briggs United Brethren Church, North 58th and McKinley
Florence Christian Church, 8929 North 29th Street (1896-present)
Florence Church of Christ
Florence Methodist Church, 8424 North 31st Street (1857)
Florence First Presbyterian Church, 8314 North 31st Street (1857-present)
Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 7301 North 28th Street (1923-present)
Ponca Hills Presbyterian Church, (1870-)
St. John’s German Lutheran Church, 11120 Calhoun Road (1900-present)
St. Marks Episcopal Church, 8019 North 31st Street (1881-1964)
St. James Episcopal Church, location unknown (1857)
St. Phillip Neri Catholic Church, 8202 North 31st Street (1905-present)
Winter Quarters Mormon Temple, location unknown (1846-1848)

Historic Homes in Omaha’s Florence Historic District

Keirle House, 3017 Mormon Street
Lantry – Thompson Mansion, 3524 State Street
Price House, 3119 Clay Street
Wright House, 7623 North 31st Street
James C. Mitchell House (1951-1964), 8314 North 31st Street
Brandeis Country Home

Florence Kilborn c.1867 — This is Florence Kilborn at age 15 in 1867.

Historic People in Omaha’s Florence Historic District

James M. Parker (1824-1902)
James Comey Mitchell (1810-1860)
Florence Kilborn (1854-1867)
Manuel Lisa (1772-1820)
John Pierre Cabanné (1773-1841)

Historic Public Places in Omaha’s Florence Historic District

North Market Square, aka Filmore Park, North 29th and Bondesson Streets
South Market Square, aka houses, North 29th and King Streets
Mormon Reserve, underneath the Mormon Bridge between J.J. Pershing Dr. and the river
Ferry Reserve, north of Mormon Bridge between J.J. Pershing Dr. and the river
Florence Town Square, aka Florence Park, 3105 State Street (including the Mormon Tree [c1841-1947])
River Drive, from Florence Boulevard to Ponca Road
Mormon Bridge, crossing the Missouri River on I-680
Mormon Bridge Tollhouse, 3010 Willit Street
Hummel Park, 3033 Hummel Road
Florence Boulevard