Mexicans in Omaha, Nebraska facts for kids

Mexicans have lived in Omaha, Nebraska, United States for over a hundred years. They are people from Mexico or with family roots there. They have helped Omaha grow in many ways. This includes its economy, social life, and culture. The number of Latino people in Omaha grew a lot between 1990 and 1997.

Studies have looked at Mexican-Americans in Omaha since the 1920s. Some immigrants wanted to keep their language and culture. Later studies show that many young people adapt to the U.S. but also proudly keep their traditions.

A Look Back: History of Mexicans in Omaha

Early Days and Growth

Mexicans were in Omaha from its start in 1854. The first people to live there permanently arrived with the railroads in 1860.

Around 1900, only five people born in Mexico lived in Omaha. By 1910, there were 29. In 1920, this number grew to 682 Mexicans. By 1923, there were about 1,000. Many lived in South Omaha. They were close to the meatpacking plants and stockyards where they worked. In 1950, about 450 Mexicans lived in Douglas County, Nebraska. During the Great Depression, many went back to Mexico. But about 900 stayed in Omaha.

Challenges Faced by Early Immigrants

In the early 1900s, Mexican immigrants sometimes faced unfair treatment. For example, in 1915, after an incident, police rounded up and jailed many Mexicans. This happened even though there was little proof against them. This shows some of the difficulties and unfairness they faced.

Where Mexican Communities Grew

In the early 1900s, Mexican families formed communities. These were called colonias or barrios. One was near the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad depot. This was south of Little Italy and Little Bohemia. Another community was near South 72nd and Q Streets. Here, families lived in railroad cars.

Other Mexican communities were near the Burlington Train Station. Some lived in a place called "Carville" in South Omaha. Many lived in railroad cars there. J.B. Hernández, a railroad worker, was an important leader in Carville. There was also a large community across the Missouri River in Council Bluffs. The biggest group of Mexicans lived near the packing houses and Union Stockyards in South Omaha.

Today, most Mexicans and Mexican-Americans live in South Omaha. This area is also called South O. It has a strong Mexican-American culture. You can see many public murals and cultural displays. There are also many businesses, churches, and community groups. El Museo Latino is also in South Omaha. In 1998, about 20,000 Latino families lived in this area.

Jobs and Work Life

From 1900 to 1930, many Mexicans worked in Omaha. They often moved between jobs. These jobs included working in meat packing plants, on the railroads, and in agriculture.

Jobs in farming, packing houses, and railroads brought Mexican workers to Omaha. During World War I, packing houses hired Mexicans. They needed workers because of a labor shortage. Many Mexican workers stayed in Omaha after the war. Some older Mexicans came to Omaha as railroad workers. They worked for the Union Pacific and the BNSF Railway. Many Mexican Americans in Omaha today have grandfathers or other relatives who worked on the railroads.

In 1924, a packinghouse in Omaha paid about $3.36 a day. In 1928, ten railroad companies hired many Mexicans. They employed between 800 and 1000 in winter. In summer, they hired fewer than 250. In the 1930s, many Mexicans traveled between Omaha and western Nebraska for farm work.

Faith and Religion

A Roman Catholic church called Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe started in Omaha in 1919. It has been very important to the Hispanic community in Omaha. It also serves nearby areas in Iowa. Its first home was a rented room above a bakery.

In the 1960s, both Catholic and Protestant churches encouraged Mexican Americans. They helped them take a more active role in their community.

Mexicans in Omaha Today

Current Population

In the early 1970s, a survey found about 6,490 Latinos in Omaha. Two-thirds of them were from Mexico. A 1978 study showed that Mexican Americans in Omaha were happy with their lives. They also liked the services they got from the U.S. government. The study found that they were very involved in their community. They felt accepted, even if not always welcomed everywhere.

Between 1980 and 1990, the Latino population in the Midwest grew by 35.2%. In 1990, Latinos made up 2.9% of Omaha's population. Most of them were Mexican.

Nebraska's Latino population almost doubled from 1990 to 2005. This was mainly due to growth in towns with meatpacking plants. Most of this population is Mexican.

Religious Traditions and Celebrations

Most Mexicans and their American-born children in Omaha are Catholic. The streets of South Omaha are full of religious celebrations all year. These include the Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Day of the Dead. Many other Catholic holidays are also celebrated. Mexicans in Omaha also celebrate Holy Week with public events.

Rich Culture and Community Life

Today, South Omaha is home to El Museo Latino. It is located at 4701½ South 25th Street. This museum focuses on Latino arts. It has exhibits from local, national, and international artists. The museum also offers school tours and has a dance group. It hosts family activities, art classes, and special events. It keeps copies of materials about Mexican American traditions in Nebraska. Nebraskans for Peace is another group that helps Mexican Americans in Omaha.

Keeping Cultural Identity

Since the 1970s, people have noticed that Mexican Americans in Omaha like to keep their culture. They want to maintain their values, food, language, and family ties. This shows they are proud of their Mexican heritage. They are not giving up their culture.

Mexican-Americans are also starting to have more political influence in Omaha. You can find Spanish-language newspapers in Omaha. These include Nuestro Mundo, El Perico, La Vision Latina, and El Sol de las Americas.

The Mexican Consulate was once at 3552 Dodge Street. It has since moved to 7444 Farnam Street.

Notable Mexican Americans from Omaha

• Hector P. Garcia (born 1914—died 1996) - A doctor, surgeon, and World War II veteran. He was a civil rights leader. He founded the American G.I. Forum. He finished his medical training in Omaha.
• Edward Gomez (born 1932–died 1951) - A United States Marine. He was given the Medal of Honor after he died during the Korean War.
• Steve Turre (born 1948) - A famous trombonist, recording artist, and teacher. He was born in Omaha and has Mexican roots.
• John Trudell (born 1946) - An author, poet, musician, and former activist. He was born in Omaha and has Mexican roots.
• Douglas Vincent "SA" Martinez (born 1969) - The singer and DJ for the rock band 311. He was born in Omaha.