Little Bohemia (Omaha, Nebraska) facts for kids
Little Bohemia, also known as Bohemian Town, is a special historic neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska. It became home to many Czech immigrants starting in the 1880s. These families created a lively community, sometimes called "Praha" (which means Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic). The neighborhood was located south of downtown Omaha, right next to another historic area called Little Italy. A part of Little Bohemia along South 13th Street was recognized for its history in 2020. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
A Look Back: How Little Bohemia Started
When Czech immigrants first arrived in Omaha, they were looking for work. Many found jobs in the city's meatpacking factories. Others worked at the American Smelting and Refining Company, which processed metals, or at the Union Pacific railroad shops.
As they settled, these immigrants built important places for their community. The Prague Hotel was built in 1898 by Gottlieb Storz. The Sokol Auditorium, a place for gymnastics and community events, was built in 1926. St. Wenceslaus Church became a central place for Czech Catholic families. By 1919, the neighborhood had many businesses. These included a general store, a grocery, a bakery, and even a shoemaker.
Over time, the meatpacking industry grew in South Omaha. Many Czech families moved closer to their jobs there. This led to new Czech communities forming in other parts of South Omaha. Later, a law called the Immigration Act of 1924 made it much harder for people to immigrate. This law greatly slowed down the number of Czechs coming to Omaha.
Cool Places to See in Little Bohemia
Little Bohemia has many interesting and historic spots. Here are some of the most famous landmarks:
- Prague Hotel: You can find this historic hotel on the corner of South 13th and William Streets.
- Bohemian Presbyterian Church: Located at 1474 Hickory Street, this church has a unique stained glass chalice above its door. This chalice is a symbol of the Hussite movement, an important part of Czech history. Today, it hosts Spanish language services.
- Bohemian Cafe: This well-known cafe is also on the corner of South 13th and William Streets.
- Childhood Home of Art Babbitt: The famous Disney animator Art Babbitt lived at 1436 S. 13th Street when he was a child. He helped create many classic cartoon characters!
- Tourek Engraving and Printing: This business has been a part of South 13th Street for a long time.
- Milacek and Sons Monument Company: This company is located across from the historic Bohemian Cemetery Omaha.
- Bohemian Cemetery Omaha: This important cemetery is sometimes called Bohemian National Cemetery.
- Donut Stop: A popular spot for treats on South 13th Street.
- Tomasek Machine Shop, Inc.: Another long-standing business on South 13th Street.
- Sokol Auditorium and Gymnastics Hall: This building is on the corner of South 13th and Martha Streets. It was a center for Czech gymnastics and community events.
- Huser Printing: A family-owned Czech printing business on South 13th Street.
- Former Bohemian-American National Committee headquarters: This building at 1211 South 13th Street was once an important meeting place.
- St. Wenceslaus Church: A significant Czech Catholic Church in the neighborhood.
- C.F Hermanek Company Annex: This was a Czechoslovakian grocery store located at 1312 Williams Street.
Want to Learn More?
- Czechs in Omaha, Nebraska
- Czechoslovak Museum
- History of Omaha
