History of Omaha, Nebraska in Timeline

Omaha, Nebraska, is the state's largest city and the anchor of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area, which extends into Iowa. As of 2020, Omaha's population was 486,051, making it the 40th-most-populous city in the U.S. The broader metropolitan area has a population exceeding one million residents. Omaha is situated along the Missouri River, near the Platte River's mouth, and serves as the county seat of Douglas County.

1900: Number of Ethnic Enclaves in Omaha

According to U.S. Census data, in 1900 there were nine European ethnic enclaves in Omaha, an increase from five in 1880.

1900: Kidnapping of Edward Cudahy, Jr.

In 1900, Omaha became the center of national attention due to the kidnapping of Edward Cudahy, Jr., who was the son of a local meatpacking magnate.

1908: University of Nebraska Omaha founded

In 1908, the University of Nebraska Omaha was founded.

1909: Riot in South Omaha

In 1909, a major riot in South Omaha led by earlier immigrants destroyed the city's Greek Town, resulting in the complete expulsion of the Greek population.

1909: Greek Town Riot

In 1909, anti-Greek sentiment flared after increased Greek immigration, and worsened their tendency to become strikebreakers. The killing of a policeman of Irish descent enraged the Irish community; an angry mob violently stormed the Greek neighborhood in Omaha in what would become known as the Greek Town Riot. That mob violence forced the Greek immigrant population to flee from the city.

1910: Foreign Born Residents

By 1910, 53.7% of Omaha's residents and 64.2% of South Omaha's residents were foreign born or had at least one parent born outside of America.

1910: Omaha's Population Demographics

In 1910, the Census Bureau reported Omaha's population as 96.4% White and 3.6% Black.

1912: NAACP Chapter Founded

In 1912, the first chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) west of the Mississippi River was established in Omaha.

1913: Omaha Easter Sunday Tornado

The Omaha Easter Sunday Tornado of 1913 caused widespread destruction, particularly impacting the city's African-American community and Midtown Omaha.

1915: Killing of Juan Gonzalez

In 1915, Juan Gonzalez, a Mexican immigrant, was killed by a mob near Scribner after being racially profiled and wrongly accused of stealing goods from the railroad yards. He was unarmed, had an alibi, and no one was ever indicted for his killing.

1919: Red Summer Riots

In 1919, Omaha was embroiled in the Red Summer riots when a white mob marched to the courthouse to lynch Willy Brown, a black worker. The courthouse was burned, Will Brown was murdered, and troops were called in to restore order.

1919: Lynching of Willy Brown and Omaha Race Riot

In the fall of 1919, following Red Summer, Willy Brown was lynched by a mob from South Omaha, contributing to the Omaha Race Riot. Mayor Edward Parsons Smith was also attacked while trying to defend Brown.

1930: Enron Founded

In 1930, Enron was founded in Omaha.

1931: Joslyn Art Museum Opening

In 1931, the Joslyn Art Museum opened, housing large art collections.

July 25, 1936: Highest Recorded Temperature

On July 25, 1936, the highest temperature ever recorded in Omaha was 114 °F (45.6 °C).

1938: The Omaha Star founded

In 1938, The Omaha Star, Nebraska's only African-American newspaper, was founded in North Omaha.

1948: Strategic Air Command Relocation

In 1948, the relocation of the Strategic Air Command to an Omaha suburb significantly boosted the area's economy.

1950: NCAA College World Series hosted in Omaha

Since 1950, Omaha has hosted the annual June NCAA College World Series men's baseball tournament.

1955: Omaha's Union Stockyards lead meat packing

In 1955, Omaha's Union Stockyards overtook Chicago's stockyards as the United States' meat packing center.

1956: City switches back to strong-mayor government

In 1956, the city of Omaha switched back to a strong-mayor form of government.

1962: Indian Hills Theater built

In 1962, Omaha's Cinerama, called Indian Hills Theater, was built.

1964: Last time a Democrat won Nebraska electoral vote before Obama

Before Barack Obama's win in 2008, 1964 was the last time a Democratic presidential candidate had won an electoral vote in Nebraska.

April 1968: Riots in North Omaha

In April 1968, despair following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. contributed to riots in North Omaha. The civil rights movement evolved towards black nationalism, and tensions involving the Black Panther Party culminated in the Rice/Poindexter Case, where an Omaha Police Department officer was killed by a bomb.

1969: First Data Corporation Founded

In 1969, First Data Corporation was founded in Omaha.

1969: Woodmen Tower Completion

In 1969, the Woodmen Tower, Omaha's first major skyscraper and tallest building at 478 ft (146 m), was completed, symbolizing renewal in the city.

1969: Storm Chasers win championship

The Omaha Storm Chasers won a championship in 1969.

1970: Storm Chasers win championship

The Omaha Storm Chasers won a championship in 1970.

1972: Kansas City-Omaha Kings Franchise

From 1972 to 1978, the Kansas City-Omaha Kings, an NBA franchise, played in both Kansas City and Omaha.

1975: Major Tornado and Blizzard

In 1975, Omaha experienced a major tornado and blizzard that caused over $100 million in damages.

1976: Omaha Children's Museum Inception

Since its inception in 1976, Omaha Children's Museum has been a place where children can challenge themselves, discover how the world works and learn through play.

1978: Kansas City-Omaha Kings Franchise

From 1972 to 1978, the Kansas City-Omaha Kings, an NBA franchise, played in both Kansas City and Omaha.

1978: Storm Chasers win championship

The Omaha Storm Chasers won a championship in 1978.

1981: Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts Founded

In 1981, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts was founded in Omaha.

1985: Level 3 Communications Founded

In 1985, Level 3 Communications was founded in Omaha as Kiewit Diversified Group.

1985: Kings move to Sacramento

In 1985, the Kansas City Kings moved to Sacramento.

1986: Rise in Violent Crime

After 1986, Omaha saw a climb in violent crime rates as Los Angeles gangs made affiliates in the city, due to persistent poverty resulting from racial discrimination and job losses.

1987: Enron Moved to Houston

In 1987, Enron was taken to Houston by Kenneth Lay.

1989: Demolition in Jobbers Canyon Historic District

In 1989, 24 buildings in the Jobbers Canyon Historic District in Omaha were demolished, representing the largest loss of buildings on the National Register to date.

1989: Demolition of Jobber's Canyon

In 1989, Jobber's Canyon was demolished, leading to the creation of the ConAgra Foods campus.

1990: Storm Chasers win championship

The Omaha Storm Chasers won a championship in 1990.

1991: Inacom Founded

In 1991, Inacom, a technology company, was founded in Omaha.

1993: MFS Communications Started

In 1993, World Com was founded by a merger with Omaha's MFS Communications, started as Metropolitan Fiber Systems.

1995: Sudanese Refugees Immigrate

Since 1995, the largest population of Sudanese refugees in the United States have immigrated to Omaha, due to warfare in Sudan. They represent ten ethnic groups, including the Nuer, Dinka, Equatorians, Maubans and Nubians.

1996: MFS Purchases UUNET

In 1996, MFS, backed by Walter Scott Jr. and Warren Buffett, purchased UUNET for $2 billion.

1996: Cox Classic golf tournament part of Web.com Tour

In 1996, the Cox Classic golf tournament became part of the Web.com Tour.

1997: Inacom on Fortune 500 List

From 1997, Inacom was on the Fortune 500 list.

1997: World Com Purchased MFS

In 1997, Bernie Ebbers purchased the much larger MFS for $14.3 billion under his World Com.

1998: Level 3 Moved to Denver

In 1998, Level 3 moved to Denver.

2000: Inacom Bankruptcy

In 2000, Inacom filed for bankruptcy.

2000: Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority created

In 2000, the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority (MECA) was created by city voters and is responsible for maintaining the CHI Health Center Omaha.

2001: Indian Hills Theater Demolished

In 2001, the Indian Hills Theater was demolished by the Nebraska Methodist Health System.

2002: Completion of First National Bank Tower

In 2002, the First National Bank Tower was completed, becoming the tallest building in Omaha and the state.

2003: City of Omaha and Douglas County Consolidation Study Conclusion

In 2003, the City of Omaha concluded that it and Douglas County should merge into a municipal county, with functional consolidations beginning immediately in various departments.

2003: RiverFront Place Condos Started

In 2003, the first phase of the RiverFront Place Condos was started.

2003: Violent crime rates compared to other US cities

Since 2003, Omaha's rate of violent crimes per 100,000 residents has been lower than the average rates of three dozen United States cities of similar size. Unlike Omaha, those cities have experienced an increase in violent crime overall.

2004: Union Pacific Center Opens

In 2004, Union Pacific Railroad's new corporate headquarters, the Union Pacific Center, opened in Downtown Omaha.

2004: Opening of the Union Pacific Center

The Union Pacific Center opened in 2004.

2005: CSA Population Estimate

In 2005, the Omaha-Council Bluffs combined statistical area had a population of 858,720, according to the Census Bureau estimate.

2005: Opening of the Holland Performing Arts Center

The Holland Performing Arts Center opened in 2005.

2006: Plans announced for Missouri River Pedestrian Bridge

In 2006, Omaha and Council Bluffs announced joint plans to build the Missouri River Pedestrian Bridge.

2006: Homicide rankings

In 2006, Omaha was ranked 46th out of the 72 cities in the United States with more than 250,000 in population for homicides.

2006: RiverFront Place Condos Phase 1 Completed

In 2006, the first phase of the RiverFront Place Condos was completed.

2007: Controversial Annexation of Elkhorn

In 2007, Omaha controversially annexed Elkhorn, continuing a trend of expansion that began with the annexation of East Omaha in 1857.

2007: Nebraska Legislature approves learning community plan

In 2007, the Nebraska Legislature approved a plan to create a learning community for Omaha-area school districts with a central administrative board.

September 28, 2008: Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Opened

On September 28, 2008, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge opened to foot and bicycle traffic.

November 2008: Obama wins district's electoral vote

In November 2008, Barack Obama won the electoral vote in Omaha's congressional district, becoming the first Democratic presidential candidate to do so in Nebraska since 1964.

2008: US Olympic Swimming Team Trials & NCAA Volleyball Championship

In 2008, Omaha hosted the US Olympic Swimming Team Trials and the University of Nebraska co-hosted the NCAA Division One Women's Volleyball Championship in December.

2008: Missouri River Pedestrian Bridge opens

In 2008, the Missouri River Pedestrian Bridge opened, connecting Omaha and Council Bluffs.

2008: United States Olympic Team Swimming Trials

In the summer of 2008, the United States Olympic Team swimming trials were held in Omaha at the Qwest/Century Link Center.

January 2009: Blue Cross Blue Shield Headquarters Announcement

In January 2009, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska announced plans to build a new headquarters in the Aksarben Village.

2009: First Data Corporation Headquarters

As of 2009, First Data Corporation's headquarters were located in Atlanta.

2009: Construction of TD Ameritrade Park Began

In 2009, construction began on the new TD Ameritrade Park in the North Downtown area.

2010: Census of 2010

As of the 2010 census, Omaha had a population of 408,958 people residing in 162,627 households and 96,477 families. The population density was 3,217.9/sq mi. The racial makeup was 73.1% White, 13.7% African American, 0.8% Native American, 2.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 6.9% from other races, and 3.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 13.1% of the population.

2010: Nighthawks in United Football League

From 2010 to 2011, Omaha was home to an expansion team, the Nighthawks, in the United Football League.

2011: Nighthawks in United Football League

From 2010 to 2011, Omaha was home to an expansion team, the Nighthawks, in the United Football League.

2011: Nebraska lawmakers move Offutt Air Force Base out of Omaha district

In 2011, Nebraska lawmakers moved Offutt Air Force Base and Bellevue out of Omaha's 2nd district and shifted in Republican-heavy suburbs, diluting the city's Democratic vote.

2011: Completion of TD Ameritrade Park

In 2011, TD Ameritrade Park was completed and became the home of the College World Series.

2011: RiverFront Place Condos Phase 2 Opened

In 2011, the second phase of the RiverFront Place Condos was opened.

2011: Completion of Blue Cross Blue Shield Headquarters

In Spring 2011, the new Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska headquarters in the Aksarben Village was completed.

2011: College World Series moves to Charles Schwab Field

Since 2011, the NCAA College World Series has been played at the downtown Charles Schwab Field.

2011: Storm Chasers win championship

The Omaha Storm Chasers won a championship in 2011.

2012: US Olympic Swimming Team Trials

In 2012, Omaha hosted the US Olympic Swimming Team Trials.

2012: Omaha Beef move to Ralston Arena

In 2012, the Omaha Beef indoor football team moved to the new Ralston Arena.

2012: United States Olympic Team Swimming Trials

In the summer of 2012, the United States Olympic Team swimming trials were held in Omaha at the Qwest/Century Link Center.

May 2013: Jean Stothert elected as mayor

In May 2013, Jean Stothert was elected as the mayor of Omaha.

2013: Omaha's Notorious Designation

As of 2013, Omaha still held the record for demolishing the largest-ever National Register historic district in the United States, a designation gained in 1989.

2013: Median household income (in 2017 dollars)

From 2013 to 2017, the median household income (in 2017 dollars) was $53,789.

2013: Cox Classic golf tournament ends

In 2013, the Cox Classic golf tournament ended its run as part of the Web.com Tour.

2013: Storm Chasers win championship

The Omaha Storm Chasers won a championship in 2013.

2014: Omaha Ranked 5th Coldest Major U.S. City

As of 2014, Weather Channel ranked Omaha as the 5th coldest major U.S. city, based on 30-year averages for December, January, and February.

2014: Storm Chasers win championship

The Omaha Storm Chasers won a championship in 2014.

2015: Westside Community Schools enrollment numbers

In 2015, the Westside Community Schools (District 66) recorded a district enrollment of 6,123 students for the 2015-16 school year.

2016: US Olympic Swimming Team Trials & Big 10 Baseball Championship

In 2016, Omaha hosted the US Olympic Swimming Team Trials and the Big 10 Baseball Championship was played at the College World Series Stadium.

2016: Omaha Printing Company rebrands

In 2016, the Omaha Printing Company, the founder of Nebraska's first regional newspaper, the Omaha Daily Republican, rebranded as Aradius Group.

2016: United States Olympic Team Swimming Trials

In the summer of 2016, the United States Olympic Team swimming trials were held in Omaha at the Qwest/Century Link Center.

2016: 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates indicated that the median household income was $62,213, and the median family income was $80,956. Males had a median income of $41,528 versus $31,295 for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $36,290. Approximately, 8.0% of families and 12.0% of the population were below the poverty line.

May 10, 2017: Jean Stothert re-elected as mayor

On May 10, 2017, Jean Stothert was re-elected as the mayor of Omaha.

2017: Median household income (in 2017 dollars)

From 2013 to 2017, the median household income (in 2017 dollars) was $53,789.

2017: Walk Score ranks Omaha 26th most walkable U.S. city

In 2017, Walk Score ranked Omaha 26th most walkable of the fifty largest U.S. cities, with a slight decline of 0.3 points from the previous year.

2017: Web.com Tour returns to Omaha with Pinnacle Bank Championship

In 2017, the Web.com Tour returned to Omaha with the Pinnacle Bank Championship.

2018: Eppley Airfield serves over 5 million passengers

In 2018, Eppley Airfield, Omaha's airport, served the region with over 5 million passengers and offered non-stop service to 34 destinations.

2020: Omaha Population in 2020

In 2020, Omaha's population was recorded at 486,051 according to the United States census, making it the nation's 40th-most-populous city.

2020: Union Omaha begins play

In 2020, Union Omaha, a professional minor league soccer team, began play in USL League One.

2020: 2020 United States census

In 2020, the United States census recorded Omaha's population at 486,051 people, living in 189,922 households and 113,245 families. The population density was 3,406.8 per square mile. The racial makeup was 65.47% white, 12.4% Black or African-American, 1.12% Native American, 4.6% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 7.25% from other races, and 9.06% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 14.0% of the population.

2020: Biden wins Omaha's electoral vote

In the 2020 election, Omaha's 2nd district sent its single electoral vote for Joe Biden, continuing the trend toward Democratic politics in recent years.

2020: 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates

May 11, 2021: Jean Stothert re-elected as mayor again

On May 11, 2021, Jean Stothert was re-elected as the mayor of Omaha for another term.

2021: Peyton Manning Launches Omaha Productions

In 2021, Peyton Manning launched Omaha Productions.

2021: Union Omaha wins league championship

In 2021, Union Omaha won the USL League One championship.

2021: United States Olympic Team Swimming Trials

In the summer of 2021, the United States Olympic Team swimming trials were held in Omaha at the Qwest/Century Link Center.

2022: Union Omaha makes U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals

In 2022, Union Omaha made a deep run to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup, defeating two Major League Soccer teams.

May 2024: Supernovas win inaugural championship

In May 2024, the Omaha Supernovas won the inaugural Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) championship, with Omaha hosting 134,969 fans across 15 matches at the CHI Health Center.