Traveling through Nebraska reveals a diverse cultural landscape that reflects the influence of various European immigrant groups. One lesser-known but fascinating aspect of Nebraska's history is the Belgian community that settled primarily in the northeastern part of the state. In the late 19th century, economic hardship and overpopulation prompted Belgians to seek better opportunities abroad. Many of these immigrants were attracted to Nebraska's fertile soil and natural resources, particularly in the vicinity of Omaha and Council Bluffs.

The largest concentration of Belgians settled in the area surrounding the present-day town of Colon, which is approximately 70 miles northwest of Omaha in Saunders County. Colon became a hub for the Belgian-American community in the Midwest, drawing immigrants from the eastern United States and direct arrivals from Belgium. The community established several Catholic churches, schools, and fraternal organizations that served the spiritual, educational, and social needs of the population.

The St. Mary's Catholic Church in Colon was a vital institution that united the community. Built in 1894, the church features Belgian-inspired architecture and serves as a testament to the strong Catholic heritage of the settlers. The adjacent parochial school also played a significant role, teaching curriculum in both English and Flemish, reflecting the dual linguistic identities of the community. Besides these institutions, organizations such as the Knights of Columbus (with the local council known as Brother Tarcicius Council) further solidified the bonds among the Belgian-American community in Colon.

Farming and agriculture played a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of the Belgian settlers. By cultivating the fertile soil of the Platte Valley, the settlers transformed the area into a productive agricultural region, leveraging their expertise in dairy farming, livestock rearing, and horticulture. The entrepreneurial spirit of the settlers also led to the establishment of local businesses such as blacksmithing, flour milling, and cooperage.

The small town of Bellevue, just outside Omaha, was another hub of Belgian-American settlement. A distinctive example of the legacy of this settlement is the establishment of Bellevue's old Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Although no longer in regular service, the 1868-built church demonstrates the historical prominence of Catholic worship for Nebraskas Belgian believers.

Nebraskas Belgian-American community has produced notable local figures, such as Monsignor Joseph Walbaum who contributed significantly to church and school development in Bellevue and the wider region. As an active cleric, Monsignor Walbaum acted as a facilitator, connecting his local community with its European heritage.

Settlement was also facilitated by promotional endeavors from both sides of the Atlantic. Newspaper correspondents from notable local publications like the 'Omaha Bee' also highlighted the attractive climate and land conditions of the American regions which enticed more new settlers to make Nebraska their homeland. In response, various ethnic groups, not the Belgians alone, joined to stake a claim to abundant prairies within America.

Some remnants of Nebraskas Belgian history remain available for exploration, highlighting Nebraska's Belgian history which exhibits little surviving of the distinctive practices and cultural styles of their particular ethnic influences.