Florence, Omaha facts for kids

Florence is a cool neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska. It's located on the north side of the city. Florence was actually one of the oldest cities in Nebraska before it became part of Omaha. Many historic places are found here. People often call Florence "the historic front door to Omaha" because it was a city even before Nebraska became a state!

The Story of Florence

Florence has a long and interesting history. It started way back in 1846, even before Nebraska was a state!

Early Beginnings: Winter Quarters

In 1846, the area was first known as Winter Quarters. This was a temporary settlement for Mormon pioneers. They stayed there for about two years before moving on. By 1848, most people had left.

Becoming a City

But in 1854, the area came alive again as a new town. In 1857, the Nebraska Territory Legislature officially made it an independent city. It was named Florence, after the adopted daughter of its founder, Florence Kilbourn.

Joining Omaha

Many years later, in 1917, the City of Florence became part of the City of Omaha. Since then, it has been known as a neighborhood within Omaha.

Florence Today

The Florence neighborhood is always growing and improving. It's a mix of old history and new developments.

Roads and Green Spaces

In 2024, the main street in Florence, N. 30th St., is getting some upgrades. These changes will help traffic flow better and make the roads safer. Florence is also part of Omaha's plan to modernize traffic signals. You can even see six special bioretention gardens along N. 30th St. These gardens help manage rainwater and keep the area green.

Fun Things to Do

Florence is just a quick 10-minute drive from downtown Omaha. It has many old buildings and homes from the 1800s. You can find cozy restaurants and fun places for families. Some popular spots include Alpine Inn, the Mormon Trail Center, General Crook House Museum, and the Bank of Florence Museum.

Keeping History Alive in Florence

Over the years, many efforts have been made to celebrate Florence's rich history.

Remembering the Pioneers

The Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple was built in 2001. It honors the Mormon pioneers who lived here in 1846. Thousands of people visited when it first opened. The Mormon Trail Center is a museum that tells the story of the Mormon Trail and the early Mormon settlers. Nearby, the Mormon Pioneer Cemetery is a historic burial ground.

Bridges and Parks

The Mormon Pioneer Memorial Bridge was built in 1952. It carries Interstate 680 over the Missouri River. There's also a historic tollhouse related to the bridge. In 2017, a monument was placed at Cutler's Park. It shares information about the park and the nearby Cutler's Park Cemetery.

Protecting the Past

The Florence Futures Foundation works hard to preserve the area's history. They help make the neighborhood special and encourage people to visit and learn about its heritage.

Historic Places in Florence

Many buildings and sites in Florence are recognized for their historical importance.