North Omaha in Douglas County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Fort Omaha Post Exchange and Gymnasium
Fort Omaha Walking Tour
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 17, 2012
1. Fort Omaha Post Exchange and Gymnasium Marker
In 1880, nearly a dozen years after Fort Omaha was established, indoor hot and cold water bathing facilities were installed – three shower rooms for enlisted men and one for officers. By the end of the 19th century a new attitude towards the health and welfare of soldiers prevailed. Men eagerly seized opportunities to compete in gymnastics, baseball, basketball and tennis.
During World War I, community interest in the Balloon School resulted in the construction of a YMCA canteen at the Fort, providing spaces for additional indoor recreation. In the years of Navy tenure after World War II, Little League teams along with Fort Omaha personnel played on two baseball diamonds on the Fort. In addition, the grounds boasted a nine-hole golf course and the best tennis courts in the city.
This building was constructed as a Post Exchange and Gymnasium in 1907. The Navy continued to use the gymnasium until 1974. It currently houses the Computer Services division at Metropolitan Community College.
Erected by Metropolitan Community College, Historical Society of Douglas County, and Nebraska Committee for the Humanities. (Marker Number 9.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work
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Location. 41° 18.448′ N, 95° 57.438′ W. Marker is in Omaha, Nebraska, in Douglas County. It is in North Omaha. Marker is on East Road, on the right when traveling north. Marker is in front of Building 2, on the Metropolitan Community College Campus. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Omaha NE 68111, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Omaha Fire Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Omaha (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Omaha Guardhouse (about 300 feet away); History of Fort Omaha (about 500 feet away); Fort Omaha Headquarters Building (about 500 feet away); Quartermaster's Office and Commissary (about 600 feet away); General Crook's Headquarters at Fort Omaha (about 700 feet away); Ordnance Magazine (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Omaha.
Also see . . . Fort Omaha. (Submitted on August 6, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 17, 2012
2. Fort Omaha Post Exchange and Gymnasium Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 17, 2012
3. Fort Omaha Post Exchange and Gymnasium and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 528 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 6, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
