Sign in Using FacebookOmaha Guide » More About Omaha: Interesting Facts
Interesting Facts
- Boys Town, renamed Boys and Girls Town in 2000, the "City of Little Men," was founded in 1917 by Father Flanagan, as a shelter for homeless boys. The 1938 movie, "Boys Town," portrays the orphanage and Father Flanagan's contribution to the shelter; Spencer Tracy (as Father Flanagan) won an academy award in 1938 for his role in the movie.
- With a population of over 390,000 people, Omaha proudly stands as Nebraska's largest city. In fact, more than one million people live within a 50-mile radius of the city.
- Forbes Magazine charted Omaha in its Top 15 when selecting regions of the country that provide for exceptional quality of life and a stable economy.
- What makes an "eco-city?" According to "E," The Environmental Magazine, the recipe combines air and water quality, open spaces and population stability – making Omaha one of their top-ranking cities.
- The Industrial Revolution gave us the ability to mass-produce many products quickly, but the Great Plains Hat Co. still chooses to make hats the old-fashioned way – by hand! Using 1800s-style equipment, the artisans at Great Plains create custom-made cowboy hats, derbies and fedoras.
- An Omaha institution since 1917, Omaha Steaks has been providing residents and guests alike with premium red meats and gourmet food items.Today, the state-of-the-art facility employs over 1,800 area residents. And they have promoted their great steaks for over 25 years by mail order, retail and Internet sales.
- In days gone by, the Dodgers and Cardinals have called Rosenblatt Stadium home. Today, it is home to the Omaha Royals AAA professional baseball team. Since 1950, Rosenblatt has hosted baseball's College World Series, the longest-running event known to the stadium.
- In 1925, Malcolm Little was born in Omaha to Rev. and Mrs. Earl Little. The family home was located at 34th and Pinkney. Malcolm X grew to become the first "nationalist minister" in the Black Muslim organization. Eventually, he founded his own group called Muslim Mosque to more adequately reflect his religious and separatist views. Spike Lee's movie popularized the dynamic leader and made his trademark "X" a symbol for many blacks today.
- The birthplace of President Gerald R. Ford graces the city of Omaha. Although he only lived here for about two weeks, visitors can glimpse items from the president's years at the White House, and the beautiful rose garden named for his wife Betty.
- On March 5, 1909, the Mutual Benefit Health and Accident Association opened its doors in Omaha's Bee building. Known since 1944 as Mutual of Omaha, this Fortune 500 Company now boasts assets totaling more than $15.4 billion and employs more than 7,400 people.
Eat Out and Save Money!
