Fort Omaha Historic District
Traveling through Nebraska offers a glimpse into the state's rich history, and one of the most notable historic sites is the Fort Omaha Historic District, located in Omaha, Douglas County. The district encompasses 80 acres and features a mix of military and civilian architecture, showcasing the evolution of the fort from a US Army post to a prominent educational institution. Today, the Fort Omaha Historic District serves as the campus for Metropolitan Community College and is a National Historic Landmark.
Established in 1868, Fort Omaha was originally intended to protect the western frontier from Native American tribes and ensure the safety of the transcontinental telegraph and railroad. The fort's early structures included its iconic guardhouse and the commanding officer's quarters, both built in 1879-1880. These building reflect the typical US Army construction of the time, characterized by their red-brick exterior and distinctive Italianate and Second Empire architectural styles.
The turn of the 20th century marked significant changes for Fort Omaha. As the US Army shifted its focus from the western frontier to global affairs, the fort's use transitioned from a military post to a military training facility. In 1905, the US Army Signal Corps Training School was established at Fort Omaha. Between 1905 and 1938, the school trained thousands of signal corps soldiers in telegraphy, wireless telegraphy, and other communication technologies. During this period, additional buildings were constructed to accommodate the school's growing needs, including the Post Headquarters, built in 1905.
Following World War II, the US Army ceased military operations at Fort Omaha, and the property was transferred to the US Navy. In 1948, the Navy opened an electronics training school, the US Naval Training Center Omaha. The training center operated until its closure in 1974, when the US Navy sold the property to Metropolitan Community College. Today, the historic district's historic buildings have been repurposed for educational use, housing classrooms, administrative offices, and performing arts venues.
A notable example of repurposing historic buildings is the beautifully restored Post Theater. Originally constructed in 1938 as an enlisted men's service club, the Post Theater now serves as a 400-seat performing arts space. Another notable example is the Quartermaster Warehouse, built in 1883. Today, it houses classroom space, offices, and the college's Human Resources department. Efforts to preserve the historic integrity of the buildings while repurposing them for modern use have been continued under the college's stewardship.
The Fort Omaha Historic District is also notable for its beautiful park setting, featuring over 40,000 trees and shrubs. In 1935, as part of the New Deal Works Progress Administration (WPA) National Youth Administration, a landscape plan for the fort was designed and implemented, incorporating these plantings and other natural features.
Today, the Fort Omaha Historic District offers insight into the complex evolution of a US military post over a century. A visitor can explore this history by taking a self-guided walking tour of the campus. Visitors who are more interested in detailed information can schedule a guided tour through Metropolitan Community College's National Historic Landmark District visitor center.
Established in 1868, Fort Omaha was originally intended to protect the western frontier from Native American tribes and ensure the safety of the transcontinental telegraph and railroad. The fort's early structures included its iconic guardhouse and the commanding officer's quarters, both built in 1879-1880. These building reflect the typical US Army construction of the time, characterized by their red-brick exterior and distinctive Italianate and Second Empire architectural styles.
The turn of the 20th century marked significant changes for Fort Omaha. As the US Army shifted its focus from the western frontier to global affairs, the fort's use transitioned from a military post to a military training facility. In 1905, the US Army Signal Corps Training School was established at Fort Omaha. Between 1905 and 1938, the school trained thousands of signal corps soldiers in telegraphy, wireless telegraphy, and other communication technologies. During this period, additional buildings were constructed to accommodate the school's growing needs, including the Post Headquarters, built in 1905.
Following World War II, the US Army ceased military operations at Fort Omaha, and the property was transferred to the US Navy. In 1948, the Navy opened an electronics training school, the US Naval Training Center Omaha. The training center operated until its closure in 1974, when the US Navy sold the property to Metropolitan Community College. Today, the historic district's historic buildings have been repurposed for educational use, housing classrooms, administrative offices, and performing arts venues.
A notable example of repurposing historic buildings is the beautifully restored Post Theater. Originally constructed in 1938 as an enlisted men's service club, the Post Theater now serves as a 400-seat performing arts space. Another notable example is the Quartermaster Warehouse, built in 1883. Today, it houses classroom space, offices, and the college's Human Resources department. Efforts to preserve the historic integrity of the buildings while repurposing them for modern use have been continued under the college's stewardship.
The Fort Omaha Historic District is also notable for its beautiful park setting, featuring over 40,000 trees and shrubs. In 1935, as part of the New Deal Works Progress Administration (WPA) National Youth Administration, a landscape plan for the fort was designed and implemented, incorporating these plantings and other natural features.
Today, the Fort Omaha Historic District offers insight into the complex evolution of a US military post over a century. A visitor can explore this history by taking a self-guided walking tour of the campus. Visitors who are more interested in detailed information can schedule a guided tour through Metropolitan Community College's National Historic Landmark District visitor center.
