Irish in Omaha, Nebraska facts for kids

The Irish people in Omaha, Nebraska have been a very important ethnic group throughout the city's history. They continue to be important religious and political leaders. A large number of Omaha's residents have Irish roots.

In 2000, about 62,349 people in Omaha said they had Irish ancestors. This was out of 390,112 residents. In 1900, the Irish were the third largest ethnic group in South Omaha, with 1,073 people out of 26,001 claiming Irish heritage. By 1909, this number grew to 2,250 out of 30,000 residents in South Omaha.

Early Irish Settlers in Omaha

The very first Catholic church in Nebraska was built in Omaha in 1856. It was built by Irish immigrants. Around this time, a group of Irish settlers lived in an area called Gophertown. This area was north of the town of Saratoga and south of the town of Florence. It was called Gophertown because the immigrants lived in dugout homes. These homes were dug into the wide-open plains of what is now North Omaha.

Building the Railroads

Irish immigrants have been a big part of Omaha's community since the 1860s. Many came to the city to help build the Union Pacific Railroad. This work started in 1864. After building the railroads, many Irish immigrants stayed in Omaha. They found jobs working on the railroads or as laborers in the wholesaling district. About 10,000 Irish workers were based in Omaha. They helped build the Union Pacific lines across the Western United States.

Few of these immigrants came directly from Ireland. Most arrived in Omaha after first living in cities like New York City, Boston, or other cities in the Eastern United States.

Early Political Influence

In 1863, Edward and Mary Creighton gave land to the local Catholic bishop, James O'Gorman. They wanted a convent to be built on the banks of the Missouri River. The Sisters of Mercy soon opened an academy and schools there. The Creightons also donated land for a cathedral, which was named after St. Philomena. Bishop O'Gorman, who was also Irish, passed away in 1874 and was buried in Omaha.

In the 1870s and 1880s, a main neighborhood for the Irish community was the Near North Side. People who grew up there remember it as a place where many different groups lived. These included Swedish, Bohemian, Italian, Irish, and African American children. They all learned to live together and become part of American society. Some Irish also lived in a low-lying area south of downtown. This area later became known as Little Italy.

Irish Leaders and Community Growth

James E. Boyd was an Irish-born politician in Omaha. He served as mayor twice in the 1880s. He also became the Governor of Nebraska in the 1890s. In 1885, James O'Connor became the first Roman Catholic Archbishop of the Diocese of Omaha. He was born in Queenstown, Ireland and passed away in Omaha in 1890.

When the Omaha Stockyards were built in 1887, many of the first workers were Irish immigrants. They moved directly to South Omaha. During this time, both the Nebraska Republican Party and the Nebraska Democratic Party showed support for Irish independence from British rule. Emmet Street in the Kountze Place neighborhood was likely named after Robert Emmet, an Irish nationalist.

By the 1890s, Irish Americans lived all over Omaha. They had become a big part of the city. They held an annual St. Patrick's Day celebration. Irish people moved into all parts of Omaha society, including politics and city government. Their acceptance helped the Roman Catholic Church grow stronger in the city.

Irish Contributions in the 20th Century

In 1906, Irish language expert Douglas Hyde visited Omaha. He raised a lot of money for the Gaelic League, which promotes Irish language and culture. While in Omaha, he met Rev. Dr. Richard Scannell, the bishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha. Bishop Scannell was from County Cork in Ireland and spoke perfect Irish. Many other Omaha residents also spoke Irish. Hyde learned that more than one-sixth of the city's residents had Irish heritage. He encouraged them to keep their language and history alive.

In 1909, an Irish policeman named Edward Lowery was killed while trying to arrest a Greek immigrant. This led to a large crowd gathering, and sadly, the Greek Town Riot happened. This event destroyed South Omaha's Greek community, and the neighborhood was never rebuilt.

Father Flanagan and Boys Town

In 1912, an Irish-born priest named Father Edward J. Flanagan became worried about children who had lost their parents in Omaha. In 1917, he started the famous Boys Town. This organization helps children in need. Father Flanagan has become a symbol of great pride for the Irish community in Omaha.

In the 1920s, the Irish Self-Determination Club of Omaha supported Ireland's right to be independent from the British government. The Club even loaned money to the elected government of the Republic of Ireland in 1919. They also asked the United States government to give financial help to Ireland.

Irish Culture Today

Today, there is still a strong Irish presence in Omaha. Many social groups exist, such as the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Omaha Area Emerald Society, and the Irish American Cultural Institute. These groups have chapters in the city.

There are also several organizations that promote Irish culture. These include Brighid St. Brighid Theatre and the Craoi na Tire Studio of Irish Dance. The Irish culture in Omaha also includes an annual St. Patrick's Day parade, which is a big celebration.