Omaha History Department Office

Omaha's rich and varied history is a testament to its modernity. Omaha, Nebraska was named the "Gateway to the West" in 1854 because of its location at the Missouri River crossing. The population of Omaha skyrocketed after the Union Pacific Railroad selected Omaha as its primary western terminus in 1867. Omaha was a major cattle-marketing hub and its stockyards and meat-processing facilities played an important role in the growth of the local economy. Omaha's proximity to rail transport has allowed it to grow its industrial base.