Little Bohemia (Omaha, Nebraska) facts for kids
Little Bohemia, also called Bohemian Town, is a special old neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska. Starting in the 1880s, many families from the Czech Republic (then part of Austria-Hungary) came to live here. They called it "Praha" (which means Prague) or "Bohemian Town." This area was mainly between South 10th and South 16th Streets. Its main shopping streets were South 13th and South 14th Streets, especially around William Street. It was located just south of downtown Omaha, next to another historic area called Little Italy. In 2020, a part of the neighborhood along South 13th Street was officially recognized as a historic place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
A Look Back: Little Bohemia's History
When Czech immigrants first arrived in Omaha, they found jobs in different places. Many worked in the meatpacking industry, which was very big in Omaha. Others worked at a lead factory called the American Smelting and Refining Company. Some also found jobs at the Union Pacific train shops.
The Czech community quickly built important places. The Prague Hotel was built in 1898 by Gottlieb Storz. The Sokol Auditorium was built in 1926. Sokol was a group that promoted physical fitness and Czech culture. St. Wenceslaus Church was also a key place for Czech Catholic families. By 1919, the neighborhood had many shops. These included a general store, a grocery, a bakery, and a shoemaker. There were also saloons, a hat shop, and a doctor.
Over time, many Czech families moved closer to their jobs. The meatpacking industry grew in South Omaha, so some moved there. This led to new Czech communities forming in South Omaha. Later, a law called the Immigration Act of 1924 was passed. This law greatly reduced the number of Czech people coming to Omaha.
Famous Places in Little Bohemia
The Little Bohemia neighborhood has many important and interesting buildings. These places tell the story of the Czech community.
- Prague Hotel: This historic hotel is on the corner of South 13th and William Streets.
- Bohemian Presbyterian Church: Located at 1474 Hickory Street. Look closely above the door! You can see a stained glass chalice. This symbol represents the Hussite movement, which was important in Czech history. Czech language services stopped in 1980. Today, the church is home to Templo Victoria and holds services in Spanish.
- Bohemian Cafe: This famous restaurant 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.
- Sokol Auditorium and Gymnastics Hall: This building is on the corner of South 13th and Martha Streets. It was built by a Czech cultural group.
- St. Wenceslaus Church: This church was a central part of the Czech Catholic community.
