Fort Omaha, Nebraska
Fort Omaha, a site steeped in history, stands as a testament to the evolving role of the United States military and the development of the American West. Located in present-day Omaha, Nebraska, this former military post has witnessed significant events, from its initial purpose of training Civil War volunteers to its later function as a vital training ground during World War I. The story of Fort Omaha, Nebraska, is one of transformation, adaptation, and enduring legacy.
The origins of Fort Omaha, Nebraska, can be traced back to 1863, a time when the nation was embroiled in the Civil War. Initially established as the Post of Omaha, its primary function was to provide a training ground for the enthusiastic volunteers eager to serve the Union cause. These men, drawn from various walks of life, underwent rigorous training to prepare them for the harsh realities of warfare. The Post of Omaha served as a crucial hub for the mobilization and preparation of troops destined for the battlefields of the Civil War.
In the years following the Civil War, the Post of Omaha underwent a significant transformation. In 1866, it was designated as the headquarters of the Department of the Platte, a vast military administrative region encompassing a large portion of the Great Plains. This area was a critical region, which was home to various Native American tribes, and the Department of the Platte was responsible for maintaining peace and order, as well as overseeing westward expansion. The selection of the Post of Omaha as its headquarters highlighted its strategic importance and signaled its evolving role in the westward expansion of the United States.
The physical location of the post also changed. In 1868, a new post was established approximately four miles northwest of the city of Omaha. This new installation was initially known as Sherman Barracks, a tribute to the renowned Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman. However, the name was later changed to Omaha Barracks. In 1878, it was officially re-designated as Fort Omaha, Nebraska, the name it carries to this day.
The late 19th century saw Fort Omaha play a pivotal role in the military campaigns on the Northern Plains. From 1875 to 1882 and again from 1886 to 1888, Brigadier General George Crook, a prominent figure in the Indian Wars, was stationed at Fort Omaha as commander of the Department of the Platte. General Crook, a shrewd strategist and experienced military leader, directed numerous major campaigns against Native American tribes from his headquarters at Fort Omaha, Nebraska. While he often spent time in the field, Fort Omaha served as his base of operations, a place where he planned strategies, coordinated troop movements, and oversaw the overall management of military operations in the region. Many of the troops who participated in these campaigns passed through Fort Omaha, receiving training and supplies before heading out to the frontier.
As the frontier began to settle and the military’s needs evolved, the role of Fort Omaha began to shift once again. In 1896, the garrison stationed at Fort Omaha was relocated to Fort Crook, a newer military installation established five years earlier approximately ten miles south of Omaha. Fort Crook, initially known as the New Post of Fort Omaha, was a larger and more modern facility designed to accommodate the changing needs of the military. The relocation of the garrison marked a temporary period of inactivity for Fort Omaha, as the focus of military operations shifted to the newer post.
However, Fort Omaha’s story did not end there. In 1905, the Army reactivated Fort Omaha, recognizing its potential for a new purpose. During World War I, the fort was transformed into a balloon school, a crucial training center for military personnel involved in aerial observation and reconnaissance. The use of balloons for military purposes was a relatively new development at the time, and Fort Omaha played a vital role in training soldiers in the skills necessary to operate and maintain these sophisticated aircraft. This marked a significant shift in the fort’s role, transitioning from a frontier outpost to a modern training facility.
Following World War I, Fort Omaha continued to serve various military purposes. In 1947, the Navy assumed jurisdiction over the base, utilizing it for various training and administrative functions. The fort’s strategic location and existing infrastructure made it a valuable asset for the Navy during the post-war era.
In 1975, a new chapter began in the history of Fort Omaha. The property was acquired from the Federal Government by Metropolitan Community College through a quitclaim deed. This transfer marked a significant turning point, as the fort transitioned from a military installation to an educational institution. Today, Metropolitan Community College utilizes the historic buildings and grounds of Fort Omaha to provide educational opportunities for students from across the region.
Despite its transformation into a college campus, Fort Omaha retains a strong connection to its military past. Facilities for military reserve forces are still located at the perimeter of the fort, ensuring that the site continues to serve a role in national defense. This unique blend of education and military presence makes Fort Omaha a truly distinctive and historically significant landmark.
Remarkably, seven buildings dating back to the 1870s and 1880s have survived, offering a tangible link to the fort’s rich history. One of the oldest and most significant of these structures is the commanding officer’s house, also known as Crook House. Completed in 1879, this elegant two-story brick building served as the residence of General George Crook during his time at Fort Omaha. The Crook House stands as a testament to the architectural style of the era, featuring an asymmetrical plan, Italianate detailing, and a hipped roof. A long one-story porch graces its eastern facade, adding to its charm and historical appeal. While the interior has undergone some alterations over the years, the exterior remains largely unchanged, preserving its original character.
The Crook House is the only building on the Fort Omaha site that is open to the public for tours, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the life of a high-ranking military officer in the late 19th century. The house is a valuable resource for understanding the history of the fort, the role of the military in the West, and the life and career of General George Crook.
Today, Fort Omaha stands as a valuable historical and educational resource. Located in northern Omaha at 30th and Fort Streets, the site is easily accessible to visitors interested in exploring its rich history. The preservation of its historic buildings, including the iconic Crook House, ensures that the legacy of Fort Omaha will continue to inspire and educate future generations. The transformation of Fort Omaha from a frontier military post to a modern college campus is a testament to its adaptability and enduring significance in the history of Nebraska and the United States. The story of Fort Omaha, Nebraska is a powerful reminder of the past and its relevance to the present.