HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS
The territory that would become the City of Omaha was acquired as part of the Louisiana Purchase by Thomas Jefferson in 1803. Native Americans were the first residents of the region. The word “Omaha” means “against the current.” It is speculated that the Omaha Indians were referred to as such due to their earlier, northward movements against the current of the Mississippi River. In 1804, William Clark and Meriwether Lewis landed on the shores of the Missouri River, noting it would be a good place for a trading outpost. During their trek west, Mormons settled in and around what’s now the Florence neighborhood of Omaha, setting up temporary quarters from 1846-1848. After the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, Omaha was officially incorporated on February 2, 1857. On November 17, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared that Omaha would be the eastern terminus of the new transcontinental railroad. In 1879, Omaha lawyers John Lee Webster and A.J. Poppleton took on the case of Chief Standing Bear, the landmark court ruling gave Native Americans rights as citizens. The lawyer’s office building still stands and is home to the Omaha Visitors Center. Omaha appears on the balloon in The Wizard of Oz, some believe it was a reference to a Populist political movement that began in Omaha back in 1892. (We believe there’s no place like home.) Attracting more than 2.6 million visitors over six months, the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Exposition world’s fair was held in Omaha and the city has been welcoming visitors ever since.
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WELCOME Dear Visitors, Welcome to Omaha! I am very proud to serve as Mayor of Omaha, a city with a reputation as a great place to live, work, play and visit! On behalf of our residents, we invite you to discover all the city has to offer, from the world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, exquisite museums and great shops, to Omaha’s wonderful array of locally owned restaurants, beautiful parks and unique entertainment venues. You’ll find there is a lot to do here in Omaha. Enjoy your visit and come back often. Warmly,
Jean Stothert, Mayor City of Omaha
City of Omaha Jim Suttle, Mayor
LOCATED IN DOUGLAS COUNTY DISTANCE BETWEEN OMAHA’S AIRPORT AND DOWNTOWN
4 miles
Many Omaha hotels offer complimentary shuttle service directly to and from their properties NON-STOP AIRLINE SERVICE TO
34 major airports SALES TAX IS 7%
Dear Friends:
On behalf of our citizens, welcome to O
Omaha Population: youMetro to discover our City’s incredible d establishments. No matter what your Just under
1 million
Enjoy your stay and be sure to come ba Kind regards.
An average of
212 Days
of sunshine per year Spring:
Highs in the mid 60’s Lows in the 40’s
Summer: Highs in the 80’s Lows in the mid 60’s Fall:
Highs in the 70’s Lows in the 50’s
Winter:
Highs in the mid 30’s Lows n the mid-teens
SMOKE FREE BARS AND RESTAURANTS BARS CLOSE AT 2AM
