Czechs in Omaha, Nebraska have made significant contributions to the political, social and cultural development of the city since the first immigrants arrived in 1868.[1]
In the 1860s, many Czechs primarily fromBohemia andMoravia immigrated to Nebraska.Edward Rosewater and John Rosicky, early Omaha newspaper editors originally from Bohemia, encouraged countrymen to come by extolling promises of free land in frontier Nebraska.[2] By 1880 Czechs were the most concentrated ethnic group in the city.[3]
| Czech population in Omaha[4] | |
|---|---|
| Year | Number |
| 1880 | 900 |
| 1890 | 2,675 |
| 1930 | 3,964 |
In 1893, the internationally known Czech composerAntonín Dvořák visited the city and performed there, attracting attendees from miles around. His extended visit to the United States inspired Dvořák to write his9th Symphony: From The New World, also known as theNew World Symphony. It was based on his impressions of the region and inspired by his fascination with birdsong,ragtime music by African-American musician and composerScott Joplin, band music, and folksongs.[5]
Komenský Clubs were founded in Nebraska, including in Omaha,Lincoln and other cities where there were numerous Czech immigrants. When theBohemian National Alliance was formed in 1914, its midwestern district was headquartered in Omaha. Czechs in the city helped promote Bohemian independence afterWorld War I. The nation of Czechoslovakia was created in the break-up of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.[6] By 1920 an estimated 3,500 immigrants lived in Bohemian Town.[7]
Czechs from Omaha helped gain legislative approval to found theCzech Language Program at theUniversity of Nebraska, instituted in 1907. Additionally, a Czech heritage course was created at theCollege of St. Mary in Omaha.[9] These programs have served as centers for teaching Czech language, literature and culture for nearly a century.
Nuns of Czech descent raised funds to build and staff theNotre Dame Academy and Convent at 3501 State Street to provide outreach to the area's Czech community. Czech immigrants and descendants also founded the Sokol South OmahaCzechoslovak Museum at 2021 U Street inSouth Omaha, and theBohemian National Cemetery at 5201 Center Street. Other cemeteries with mostly Czech burials or large Czech sections are Calvary Cemetery, Holy Sepulchar Cemetery, and Saint Mary Catholic Cemetery.[10]
The major Bohemian landmark in the city was theethnic enclave established by Czechs that was centered on a commercial area along South 13th and South 14th Streets, and William Street.[11] This enclave, called Little Bohemia, was bounded by South 10th Street on the east, South 16th Street on the west, Pierce Street on the north, and Martha Street on the south. It included thePrague Hotel,Sokol Auditorium andBohemian Cafe, all important fixtures in the community.
Another important neighborhood was located aroundBrown Park.[12]
