Riverview in Omaha in Douglas County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

History of Union Pacific and Omaha

December 26, 2024

1. History of Union Pacific and Omaha Marker, Panel One

Inscription. The search for a transcontinental railroad route began in 1853, but regional partisanship between North and South prevented Congress from acting. In 1862, after secession of the southern states, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railroad Act.

The Act created Union Pacific Railroad and instructed Union Pacific and Central Pacific to bind the nation east to west with a ribbon of steel. On May 10, 1869, the railroad was completed with the driving of the golden spike at Promontory Summit, Utah.

Lincoln established the eastern terminus of the railroad as the eastern boundary of the Missouri River directly across from "Omaha City." On December 3, 1863, Union Pacific turned the first shovel of dirt at Omaha's ferry landing, about two miles north of here near what is now Qwest Center Omaha. The Civil War consumed investors, supplies and laborers, preventing real progress until 1865.

The start of rail construction brought business and immigrants to Omaha in unprecedented numbers. Ferries and steamboats arrived daily, bringing workers and supplies for the railroad as well as for shops, homes, hotels and other

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establishments. Omaha's population grew 300 percent between 1865 and 1871. Its warehouses and markets flourished as the city became a conduit for goods and people headed by rail for the great American West.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is December 3, 1863.

Location. 41° 13.958′ N, 95° 55.039′ W. Marker is in Omaha, Nebraska, in Douglas County. It is in Riverview. It can be reached from Bancroft Street ¼ mile east of Bancroft Plaza. Located in the mid plaza of Kenefick Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Bancroft St, Omaha NE 68108, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Nebraska. It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and on the prairies.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Kenefick Park Canyon Wall

History of Union Pacific and Omaha Marker, Panel Two image. Click for full size.

December 26, 2024

2. History of Union Pacific and Omaha Marker, Panel Two

(within shouting distance of this marker); Legends of Union Pacific (within shouting distance of this marker); Union Pacific Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); The Big Boy (within shouting distance of this marker); The Centennial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A New World of Plants (about 500 feet away); Kenefick Park (about 500 feet away); Western Historic Trails Center; Starting the Journey (approx. one mile away in Iowa). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Omaha.

History of Union Pacific and Omaha Marker, Photo Panel image. Click for full size.

December 26, 2024

3. History of Union Pacific and Omaha Marker, Photo Panel

History of Union Pacific and Omaha Marker image. Click for full size.

December 26, 2024

4. History of Union Pacific and Omaha Marker

Kenefick Park Mid Plaza image. Click for full size.

December 26, 2024

5. Kenefick Park Mid Plaza

Map of the transcontinental railroad from Omaha, Nebraska to Promontory Summit, Utah to Sacramento, California
"The Transcontinental Railroad"
"A Ribbon of Steel Binding East to West"

Credits. This page was last revised on January 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2025. This page has been viewed 388 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 15, 2025.