Downtown in Omaha in Douglas County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Site of Union Pacific's Omaha Shops
You are standing at the site of the original Union Pacific Omaha Shops.
From this point a railroad was begun that would fulfill a national destiny.
Even before Union Pacific was an American icon, it was an American dream. It was a dream as big, as bold, as heroic as the American president who envisioned it. In 1862 President Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railroad Act that created Union Pacific Railroad and charged it to bind the nation, east to west, with a ribbon of steel.
Beginning in Omaha and building westward, Union Pacific was called to vanquish frontiers and create a nation where no nation had existed before. In 1869 the Golden Spike was driven that marked the completion of the transcontinental railroad and the fulfillment of this mission. The success of this enterprise was a testament to the spirit and the courage of thousands of men and women who then, as now, committed themselves to creating and sustaining a great enterprise.
The Omaha shops played a key role in the creation of the transcontinental railroad. Beginning in 1865, as this site master craftsmen from all trades created the technology and built the equipment needed to enable such a tremendous task. From bolts to locomotives to freight cars to fine furniture for passenger cars, the employees of the Omaha shops provided it.
Immigrants from around the world found work at Union Pacific’s Omaha shops and made their homes here.
Today, Union Pacific is still headquartered in Omaha and has grown to become the largest railroad in North America. It not only unites the nation but connects Canada, the United States and Mexico. The men and women of Union Pacific do a job so important that the economy of the continent could not function without them. As it has since 1862, Union Pacific continues to build a great nation and realize a great dream.
Erected by Union Pacific Railroad.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Transcontinental Railroad series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 41° 16.071′ N, 95° 55.811′ W. Marker is in Omaha, Nebraska, in Douglas County. It is in Downtown. Marker is on 10th Street near Cuming Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is adjacent to TD Ameritrade Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Omaha NE 68102, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Road to Omaha (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); endeavor to make yourself acquainted…with…the nations (approx. 0.4 miles away); Nature exerted herself to butify the Senery (approx. 0.4 miles away); Capt. Lewis…will…give us accounts of new things only (approx. 0.4 miles away); Preserving Our Heritage (approx. 0.4 miles away); the Council was held (approx. 0.4 miles away); People, Places, and Stories (approx. 0.4 miles away); A River of Hope (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Omaha.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,108 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on August 1, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.