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 is a historic building in Omaha, Nebraska. It was built in 1883. Its main job was to hold different kinds of prisoners. These included Native American people, civilians, and soldiers. They were all held by a military department called the Department of the Platte at Fort Omaha.
You can find the Guardhouse at 5700 North 30th Street in north Omaha. Because of its history, the City of Omaha named it an Omaha Landmark in 1982. It is also part of the Fort Omaha Historic District. This district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's important to the nation's history.
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What is the Fort Omaha Guardhouse?
The Fort Omaha Guardhouse was built near the front gates of Fort Omaha. Its design was common for military forts in the western United States during the 1800s.
How the Building Changed
When it was first built, the Guardhouse was a large L-shaped building. But around 1914, the back part, or east wing, was separated from the main building. For many years, this part was used for storage. The main section of the Guardhouse was later changed into offices.
Famous People Held Here
Many people were held at the Guardhouse over the years. One notable person was Big Spotted Horse in the 1880s.
The most famous person held there was Ponca Chief Standing Bear. This was during his important court case, Standing Bear v. Crook. General Crook visited Chief Standing Bear at the Guardhouse. He was very upset by the poor conditions Chief Standing Bear and his people were living in.
Other prisoners included soldiers who had left the Army without permission. There were also people who tried to claim land in the Black Hills before it was allowed in 1875.
See also
