Fort Omaha Guardhouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Omaha Guardhouse |
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Bourke Gate commemorative plaque located near guardhouse
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| Location | Omaha, Nebraska |
| Built | 1883 |
| Designated | July 6, 1982 |
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The Fort Omaha Guardhouse was a special building constructed in 1883. It was used to hold different kinds of prisoners, including Native Americans, civilians, and military members. These prisoners were kept here by the Department of the Platte, a part of the U.S. Army, at Fort Omaha.
You can find the Guardhouse at 5700 North 30th Street in north Omaha, Nebraska. In 1982, the City of Omaha's Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission officially named it an Omaha Landmark. It is also an important part of the Fort Omaha Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What Was the Guardhouse Like?
The Fort Omaha Guardhouse was built near the front gates of the fort. Its design was very common for military forts in the western United States during the 1800s.
When it was first built, the Guardhouse was a large L-shaped building. However, around 1914, the back part of the building (the east wing) was separated. This section was then used for storage for many years. The main part of the Guardhouse was changed into offices.
Famous Prisoners at the Guardhouse
Over the years, several people were held captive at the Fort Omaha Guardhouse.
One well-known prisoner was Big Spotted Horse in the 1880s.
The most famous person held here was Ponca Chief Standing Bear. He was a prisoner during his important court case, Standing Bear v. Crook. General Crook, a military leader, visited Chief Standing Bear at the Guardhouse. He was very upset by the poor conditions Chief Standing Bear and his people were living in. This visit helped bring attention to their situation.
