Elkhorn, Omaha, Nebraska facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elkhorn
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Neighborhood of Omaha
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Downtown Elkhorn: Main Street, looking north
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Location of Elkhorn prior to annexation
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Omaha after annexing Elkhorn
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| Country | United States |
| State | Nebraska |
| County | Douglas |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.8 sq mi (9.8 km2) |
| • Land | 3.7 sq mi (9.7 km2) |
| • Water | 0.0 sq mi (0.1 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,214 ft (370 m) |
| Population
(2000)
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| • Total | 6,062 |
| • Density | 1,619.4/sq mi (625.3/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
68022
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| Area code(s) | 402 |
| FIPS code | 31-15080 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0829062 |
Elkhorn is a western neighborhood of the city of Omaha, Nebraska, United States. The population was 6,062 at the 2000 census and was estimated by the Census Bureau at 8,192 in 2005 before it was annexed into Omaha in 2007. It was named after the Elkhorn River.
History
Elkhorn was platted in 1867 when the Union Pacific Railroad was extended to that point.
On April 26, 2024, Elkhorn was struck by a large, long-tracked EF3 tornado. Hundreds of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed.
Annexation
Elkhorn, founded in 1865 by George Crawford and platted in 1867, was an independent municipality until it was annexed by the city of Omaha in 2005. In an attempt to prevent the annexation, Elkhorn almost simultaneously annexed several surrounding subdivisions in an attempt to bring the city's population above 10,000 citizens; a 1917 state law limits Omaha's annexation power to neighboring communities not over 10,000 in population. On January 12, 2007, the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled in favor of Omaha, saying "…we conclude that Elkhorn ceased to exist as a separate municipality on March 24, 2005, the date that Omaha's annexation ordinance became effective." The United States Supreme Court denied Elkhorn's request to hear the case on February 22, 2007.
Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey said he tried for years to work with Elkhorn, whereby Elkhorn would not be annexed if the city did no further annexing of its own. Elkhorn representatives did not consider that a fair proposal and refused. Omaha began the process of annexing Elkhorn. The two municipalities went to court as Elkhorn attempted to block the forcible annexation by Omaha. It was not until after losing the first round in the courts that Elkhorn offered to reach an agreement with Omaha. Omaha, having won in the courts and already financially invested in the court fights, refused to deal with Elkhorn and continued the annexation process.
The final Elkhorn city council meeting was held February 27, 2007. Elkhorn ceased to be an independent municipality on March 1, 2007.
Education
Elkhorn Public Schools operates the area public schools.
