Little Italy, Omaha facts for kids
Little Italy is a special neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska. It was once the main home for people in Omaha who had Italian family roots. Many workers from this area helped build the Union Pacific railroad. The neighborhood is also known for the Santa Lucia Procession, a celebration that started in 1924 and still happens every year.
This community is found between Pacific Street to the north, Center Street to the south, South 10th Street to the west, and the Missouri River to the east. It sits right next to the Burlington Train Station and the Omaha Rail and Commerce Historic District.
In June 2008, the City of Omaha shared plans to make the area even better. This is because it's close to two of Nebraska's most popular places: the Old Market District and the Henry Doorly Zoo. The plan included improving 10th Street with new trees, parks, fountains, and art.
Contents
Discovering Little Italy in Omaha
A Look at Its Past
How the Community Began
Omaha's first Italian community started in the 1890s. It was near South 24th Street and Poppleton Street. Immigrants from southern Italy and people moving from other American cities created this first settlement.
Two brothers, Joseph and Sebastiano Salerno, are often given credit for starting the Little Italy we know today. This area was closer to the Union Pacific train yards downtown. In 1904, Sebastiano worked for a steamship company. He encouraged friends from Sicily to move to Omaha. Joseph then helped these new immigrants find places to live and jobs, especially in the Union Pacific shops downtown.
By 1905, many Sicilian immigrants had settled along South 6th Street. This was in the hills south of downtown. More Sicilians arrived between 1912 and 1913, and again after World War I. South 10th Street also became a very important part of the Italian community.
Little Italy first had a small shopping area on South 6th Street. It stretched west along Pierce Street. This area included a grocery store, clothing and shoe shops, and the Bank of Sicily. The Salerno brothers started this bank in 1908. A law called the Immigration Act of 1924 largely stopped many Italians from moving to Omaha.
Life During Prohibition
During the time known as the Prohibition era, it was against the law to make or sell alcohol. Much of the illegal alcohol in Omaha was made in Little Italy.
Little Italy Today
Celebrating Traditions
Today, the Festival of Santa Lucia is still a big celebration in Little Italy. Grazia Caniglia started this festival. It has been celebrated since the first immigrants arrived. There is also an annual festival called "La Festa." This event brings together Omaha's Italian community to celebrate their heritage.
A Growing Community
Besides the historic Italian families, the area today is home to many Latinos, people from Eastern Europe, and others. Several new homes and buildings are also being built in the area. Many parts of Little Italy's history and culture remain. This makes it a unique and special place in the city.
Important Places to See
Little Italy has several important landmarks. One is St. Francis Cabrini Church. Thomas Rogers Kimball designed this church, and it was built in 1908 at 1335 South 10th Street. The Cornish Residence is a great example of the Second Empire style of building in Omaha.
Santa Lucia Hall was first built in 1891 as Fire Station 9. Other landmarks include the Santa Lucia Festival Committee Hall at 725 Pierce Street. You can also find Marino's Italian Grocery at 1716 South 13th Street. The Sons Of Italy Hall is located at 1238 South 10th Street, and Orsi's Bakery is at 621 Pacific Street. In 2007, a place called Caniglia's was taken down and replaced with new townhomes.
Famous People from Little Italy
Many interesting people have come from Little Italy, including:
- Giuseppe Mario Bellanca
- Joe Bubs
- Jeremy Caniglia
- Michele Pane
- Angelo Rossitto
- Pat Venditte
- Nelso Bartolomei
See Also
