Omaha is the largest city in the U.S. state of Nebraska and is the county seat of Douglas County. It is located on the Missouri River, about 10 miles (16 km) north of the mouth of the Platte River. Omaha is the anchor of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area, which includes Council Bluffs, Iowa, across the Missouri River from Omaha. According to the 2010 United States Census, Omaha's population was 408,958, making it the nation's 42nd-largest city. According to the 2014 Population Estimates, Omaha's population was 446,599.
In the 19th century, Omaha's central location in the United States caused the city to become an important national transportation hub. Throughout the rest of the 19th century, the transportation and jobbing sectors were important in the city, along with its railroads and breweries. In the 20th century, the Omaha Stockyards, once the world's largest, and its meatpacking plants provided jobbing and wholesaling jobs. The economy has since diversified to include finance and insurance, biodiesel fuels, information technology, manufacturing, telecommunications, and transportation equipment.
The city is location of the headquarters of four Fortune 500 companies:* Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific Corporation, Kiewit Corporation, and Mutual of Omaha. The University of Nebraska Omaha is located in Omaha, as is the headquarters of the Nebraska system of public university campuses.
Omaha is a center for many industries, including manufacturing, construction, printing, data processing, computer programming, insurance, government services, finance, real estate, and communications.
Omaha also has a strong cultural history, with several notable museums, art galleries, and historic sites, and a variety of annual festivals and events. The city is home to the historic Omaha Old Market District. It is also the location of the nation's largest indoor mall, the Cabella's Omaha. The city also has several golf courses, five swimming pools, a zoo, and the fort that houses the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad which operates between Durango, Colorado, and Silverton, Colorado.
The city is served by the Omaha Public Library system, which includes twelve branch libraries. The library serves approximately 672,694 patrons per year. In addition, the library has a large selection of audio books, audio-visual materials, and books in large print. It also offers internet access, copy machines, and a wide selection of magazines and newspapers.
Interesting Facts About Omaha City
1. Omaha was founded in 1854 and was established as a separate city in 1857. It is currently Nebraska's largest city and the second largest city in the Midwest.
2. Omaha has the distinction of being the only U.S. city founded by a Native American tribe. The Omaha tribe founded the city in the 1840s.
3. Omaha was the site of the Trans-Mississippi Exposition, a world's fair held in 1898. The Exposition brought hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city and saw the construction of many iconic landmarks, including the Durham Western Heritage Museum and the Joslyn Art Museum.
4. Omaha is sometimes referred to as the "Gateway to the West" due its role as a major transportation hub for the region.
5. Omaha is home to the College World Series, which is played at places in downtown Omaha every June. The tournament brings in huge crowds and is one of the city's most popular attractions.
6. Omaha has one of the country's most vibrant music scenes. The city is known for its blues, jazz, and alternative rock and punk music scenes.
7. Omaha also has several notable art and culture attractions, including the Omaha Symphony Orchestra, the Durham Western Heritage Museum, and the Joslyn Art Museum.
8. Omaha, Nebraska is home to the world’s largest indoor desert at the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.
9. Omaha has one of the five remaining U.S. nuclear weapon production facilities, at the Nebraska Army Ammunition Plant.
10. Omaha is home to the largest concentration of Mormons outside of Utah.
What is Omaha known & Famous for
Omaha, Nebraska is perhaps most well known for its late-spring climatic phenomenon, known as the "Omaha Breeze", which is a combination of unusually warm temperatures and high winds most often occurring in May and June. It is also known as an important hub for transportation, commerce, industry, banking, and insurance. The city is home to the headquarters of five Fortune 500 companies, including Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and ConAgra Foods Inc. Additionally, Omaha is home to many popular events, such as the College World Series and the Omaha Marathon. In terms of culture, the city is famous for its vibrant ethnic heritage, thriving music scene, and dynamic art galleries.
What Is It Like To Visit In Omaha City?
Omaha, Nebraska is a great city to visit. Whether you're looking for amazing tourist attractions, cultural attractions, shopping, nightlife, or just relaxation, Omaha has everything to offer. The Old Market District is a great place to explore, with its cobblestone streets and charming brick buildings. Visitors can find unique restaurants, boutiques and bars in the area, as well as live music, museums, and art galleries. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the city, such as strolling around the Riverfront area or going for a jog in one of Omaha's numerous parks. Omaha is also home to the College World Series and the famous Henry Doorly Zoo, which is the largest indoor zoo in the world. There are plenty of reasons why Omaha is a great city to visit!