Greeks in Omaha, Nebraska facts for kids
The Greeks in Omaha, Nebraska have a long history, starting in the 1880s. Many Greeks first came to Omaha to work on the railroads. Soon, they created a lively neighborhood in South Omaha called "Greek Town." This area had many Greek businesses like bakeries, barbershops, grocery stores, and cafes.
However, in 1909, a large mob attacked the community, causing many Greek immigrants to leave Omaha. Today, the Greek-American community is smaller than it once was. But it includes many successful people, such as doctors, lawyers, and business owners. There are currently two Greek Orthodox Churches in Omaha.
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History of Greeks in Omaha
South Omaha became a city in 1886. It was home to many immigrant groups from Europe. It once had a busy Greek Town where thousands of Greek immigrants lived from the 1870s to 1909.
What Was Greek Town?
The main Greek community in Omaha was located around South 26th and Q Streets. This was the heart of Greek Town. Other Greek businesses were also found near South 24th and Q, and South 24th and L Streets.
By 1909, South Omaha had over thirty-two businesses owned by and serving the Greek community. There was also a Greek Orthodox church, a school, and many commercial buildings. A small number of Greeks began arriving in the 1880s. But the Greek population grew a lot around 1900. This was because workers were needed in the meatpacking factories. Many Greek men were hired by these factories.
Some people in Omaha had negative feelings about the Greek community. The Omaha Daily News newspaper wrote that Greeks were a "menace to the American laboring man." This was partly because some Greek workers were willing to work for lower wages.
The 1909 Riot
In February 1909, a Greek immigrant was arrested. During the arrest, a police officer was shot. The accused man was later caught. On February 21, a large crowd of about 3,000 men and boys gathered outside the South Omaha jail. The police moved the prisoner to a different jail to protect him.
When the crowd found out, they attacked Greek Town. They forced Greek residents to leave the area. They destroyed businesses and completely ruined 30 buildings.
The Greek Community Today
The Greek community in Omaha has never fully recovered from the 1909 incident. Today, there are about 1,000 Greek Americans in Omaha. Fewer Greeks have moved to the U.S. in recent years. This is because Greece's economy has improved and U.S. immigration laws are stricter.
Omaha now has two Greek churches: St. John's Church and the Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Omaha (GOCGO). Even with two churches, the total number of members is less than it was in the 1960s and 1970s.
Saint John the Baptist Church is growing in its original location. It is part of Omaha's mid-town rebuilding program. The church is famous for its "Omaha's Original Greek Festival" every September. In June 2008, St. John the Baptist celebrated its 100th anniversary. The head of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, Archbishop Dimitrious, visited for the celebration. The Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Omaha is also growing with new families and events.
With two active churches under Bishop Isaiah of the Denver Metropolis, Omaha's Greek community continues to be a part of the city. Greek Americans have a long history in the Omaha area, spanning over 100 years.
Notable Greeks from Omaha
Omaha has been shown in films by Greek-American Alexander Payne, who grew up there. This Oscar-winning writer and director filmed parts of About Schmidt, Citizen Ruth, and Election in the city. On January 15, 2012, Alexander won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture for his film The Descendants.
In 2005, Payne joined the board of directors for Film Streams. This group opened a two-screen movie theater in downtown Omaha in 2007. They want to show more challenging films and help Omaha become a place for making movies.
