Omaha is the largest city in the state of Nebraska. Omaha is located in the eastern part of the state. Omaha is a major port city that is mainly composed of transportation, livestock, agriculture, and manufacturing. Manufactured goods include electronics, chemicals, paint, and fertilizer. Food-processing and meatpacking have declined in recent years, but are still a central part of the city's economy. Additionally, insurance, telecommunications, and medical-related fields have all come into the city more recently. Several large companies headquartered in the city include Berkshire Hathaway, ConAgra Foods, Mutual of Omaha, First National Bank of Omaha, Union Pacific Railroad and Ameritrade.
The city's vast historical and cultural attractions have been lauded by numerous national newspapers, including the Boston Globe and The New York Times. Vast work opportunities and fine arts entice many to move here, keeping Omaha movers busy.
History
Omaha was first founded in 1854 by a group of land speculators. The city was incorporated in 1857. In the coming years, the railroad reached the city which added transportation and a growing population to the city. In the 1880's, Omaha developed a large meatpacking industry, which attracted thousands of immigrants to the city. The Trans-Mississippi Exposition was held in 1898, which attracted 2 million people to the city and led to several new buildings being built
In 1919, the Omaha Riot took place after a black man was arrested for the rape of a white woman. The Easter Sunday Tornado was a 1913 tornado in Omaha that caused extensive damage. During World War II, Omaha was a center of aircraft production. During the 1960's, the Omaha stockyards became the largest livestock center in the world surpassing Chicago. Another fierce tornado hit the city in 1975 that caused the most damage of any tornado in U.S. history. More recently, city stockyards have declined and in 1999 the Omaha stockyards closed down.
Tourism
Eppley Airfield is ten miles from the city. The city does not have any major professional sports teams, although some minor league and collegiate teams are in Omaha. Museums in the city include Joslyn Art Museum and an aerospace museum. Other popular destinations include Fontenelle Forest, Fort Omaha, Henry Doorly Zoo, and the Omaha Community Playhouse.