Omaha ō´mehä, -hô , city (1990 pop. 335,795), seat of Douglas co., E Nebr., on the west bank of the Missouri River; inc. 1857. The largest city in the state, it is a busy port of entry and a major transportation center. It is also one of the largest livestock markets and meat-processing centers in the world and a market for agricultural products. Besides food processing, the city's industries include the manufacture of farm machinery, fertilizers, electronic components, insecticides, chemicals, and paint. Omaha is also the home of many insurance and telecommunications companies, and a center for medical treatment and research.

Founded when the Nebraska Territory was opened to settlement in 1854, it grew as a supply point for westward migration and became a thriving transportation and industrial center after the arrival of the railroad in 1869. It was the territorial capital from 1855 to 1867. A world's fair, the Trans-Mississippi and International Exhibition, was held there in 1898.

The city has noted park and school systems and is the seat of Creighton Univ., the Univ. of Nebraska at Omaha, and the College of St. Mary. Of interest are the Joslyn Art Museum, an aerospace museum, a Mormon cemetery, and Fontenelle Forest. Fort Omaha (built 1868) serves as headquarters of the naval reserve training command. Offutt Air Force Base , south of the city, was the headquarters of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) from 1946 to 1992, when SAC was abolished; the interservice Strategic Command is now based there. Boys Town is to the west of the city.

Omaha

The City in Brief

Founded: 1854 (incorporated 1857)

Head Official: Mayor Mike Fahey (D) (since 2001)

City Population

1980: 314,255

1990: 344,463

2000: 390,007

2003 estimate: 404,267

Percent change, 1990–2000: 13.2%

U.S. rank in 1980: 48th

U.S. rank in 1990: 48th

U.S. rank in 2000: 53rd

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 585,122

1990: 618,262

2000: 716,998

Percent change, 1990–2000: 16.0%

U.S. rank in 1980: 57th

U.S. rank in 1990: Not reported

U.S. rank in 2000: 60th

Area: 118.88 square miles (2000)

Elevation: ranges from 965 to 1,300 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 52° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 30 inches of rain; 32 inches of snow

Major Economic Sectors: Services, wholesale and retail trade, government, manufacturing

Unemployment Rate: 5.0% (February 2005)

Per Capita Income: $21,756 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 28,781

Major Colleges and Universities: University of Nebraska at Omaha, Creighton University, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Daily Newspaper: The Omaha World-Herald

Omaha Port on the Missouri River, in e Nebraska, USA. The area was ceded to the US government in 1854. It was the capital of Nebraska Territory from 1854 to 1867. It is a leading livestock market and meat processing centre, and a major insurance centre. Pop. (2000) 390,007.