Irvington, Nebraska facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Irvington, Nebraska
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Unincorporated community
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Country | United States |
State | Nebraska |
Area | |
• Total | 1.3 sq mi (3 km2) |
Elevation | 1,119 ft (341 m) |
Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
ZIP code |
68122
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Area code(s) | 402 |
GNIS feature ID | 830308 |
Irvington is a small community located right next to Omaha, Nebraska. It's called an unincorporated community because it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. In 2010, about 451 people lived here, making it one of the smallest places in the Omaha area. Irvington was named after a famous American writer, Washington Irving.
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Where is Irvington?
Irvington is located in Douglas County, Nebraska. You can find its exact spot using these coordinates: 41°19′16″N 96°03′17″W / 41.32111°N 96.05472°W. It sits just outside the northwest part of Omaha.
A Look at Irvington's Past
People started settling in the Irvington area as early as 1856. These early settlers were mostly farmers and people who raised livestock. By 1882, Irvington had its own post office, which was a big deal for a growing community.
The Railroad and Early Growth
Later, Irvington became a stop along the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad. This train line opened in 1887 and connected Omaha to Arlington, Nebraska. The railroad helped the community grow by making it easier to transport goods and people.
In 1908, a surveyor named Zenis Stevens suggested that the Union Pacific railroad use the area for a storage facility. The land was perfect because of its natural barriers and its closeness to Papillion Creek. Because of the creek, many original residents called the area "Pappio."
Modern Irvington
Over time, Irvington became a place where the Union Pacific stored various supplies. Other small businesses also opened to serve the local farming community.
In 1965, residents tried to officially incorporate Irvington and change its name, but this idea was not approved. Today, as the city of Omaha has grown, Irvington has become a smaller part of the larger metropolitan area. You can still find a few small shops and rural homes there.
Irvington's Fire Department
Irvington is also known for its volunteer fire department. This department was started in 1952. It helps keep not only Irvington safe but also the communities around it.