Port of Omaha facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Port of Omaha |
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| Location | Omaha, Douglas, Nebraska |
The Port of Omaha is a special place in the United States where goods can enter the country. It is located on the west side of the Missouri River in Omaha, Nebraska. You can find its official address at 5229 Boeing Court in East Omaha. The U.S. Congress officially approved the Port in 1888.
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Early Days of the Port (1856–1949)
The Port of Omaha started in 1856, soon after the city of Omaha was founded. Benjamin H. Barrows helped plan where it would be.
The Port was first located at the end of Davenport Street in Downtown Omaha. Today, this spot is called Miller's Landing. It is used for launching boats and docking them.
In the past, the Port helped send out large shipments of grain on barges. It also handled passenger boats. Things like steel and asphalt were brought into the city through the Port.
Plans for River Traffic
In the 1930s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers planned to make the Missouri River easier for boats to travel on. Business leaders in Omaha quickly wanted more barge traffic for their city.
In 1937, the Omaha Chamber of Commerce asked the Nebraska State Legislature to create a special group to manage the docks. This group hoped to get money from the Public Works Administration to improve the Port. The Union Pacific Railroad, which is based in Omaha, supported this idea. They thought it would bring more business to their train tracks.
In 1938, John Latenser, Sr. drew up plans for the Port. However, these plans were not approved. Other attempts to get money for the Port also failed. This meant the city did not have good docking places when barge traffic started in 1940.
The Port from 1950 to Today
There used to be a train track that went right to the Port. In the 1950s, there were ideas to build modern storage buildings and a large crane for unloading goods. But these plans never happened.
Future Riverfront Trails
A new trail is being built along the Omaha riverfront. This trail will be about 11 miles long and will be a great place for people to enjoy outdoor activities. You will be able to see the Missouri River from the trail.
The trail will stretch from the Port of Omaha all the way to N.P. Dodge Park. The Missouri River Pedestrian Bridge will cross the Missouri River right next to the Port. This bridge connects Omaha to Playland Park in Council Bluffs.
