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| Florence Mill |
Below are just a few of the attractions in Omaha you'll want to add to your Nebraska vacation planner.
Florence Mill
Located in the historic Florence Mill area of North Omaha, the Florence Mill was constructed in 1848 and over the years was referred to by several names. The mill has been known as Mormon Mill, Grist Mill and Old Pink Mill. This area of Omaha itself has more historic sites per square mile to offer the tourist than any other area of Nebraska.
This area of Omaha was settled long before today's settlement itself was established. After the fur trappers came Europeans and the missionaries who in many cases settled among the Native Americans. This was at a time prior to the forming of the Nebraska Territory. Also came the Mormons who after leaving Illinois in 1846 traveled west crossing the Missouri River and through Omaha on their way to present day Utah. During this journey the Mormons settled what was then known as Winter Quarters. The settlement later became known as Florence during the territorial era of Nebraska and was eventually annexed by Omaha.
During the second weekend of May Florence celebrates "Florence Days". Included is a parade and many fun activities. Today the Florence Mill is operated as the Winter Quarters Mill Museum and ArtLoft Gallery. The museum collections features many exhibits and newspaper articles from the pioneer days. From June through September you'll also ant to visit their popular Farmers Market. The Florence Farmer's Market began 21 years ago. The location of Florence Mill is near the 30th Street exit of I-680. The mill address is 9102 North 30th Street.
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| Florence Bank building |
Another historic site you'll want to visit in the Florence Mill area of North Omaha Nebraska is the Bank of Florence Museum. The museum address is 8502 North 30th Street and is operated by the Florence Historical Foundation.
The Bank of Florence originally opened during the 1850's as soon as the vault arrived from the east. Interestingly enough you can still view this bank vault today as it has remained in it's original site.
The building was constructed at the old site of the Mormon Winter Quarters. The bank manager lived on the second floor. When the bank was opened, it would be another ten years before Nebraska would become a state. Because of this the Bank of Florence issued its own money in denominations of $1, $2, $3, and $5. The bank notes became known as "wildcat currency."
The Bank of Florence failed during the financial panic of 1857 but the building again became a bank in 1890. This bank stayed solvent until the Great Depression. In 1904 .the second story was turned into the offices of the Florence Telephone Company. After the Florence Days in May, the bank is open for tours. Hours are 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. Saturday and Sunday from June 1st through August 31st. The museum features a fine collection from Florence's rich history as well as an exhibit of the bank manager's second floor living quarters.
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See the Overland Trail Wagon Ruts / Nebraska
George Crook and the Aftermath of the Little Bighorn
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| General Crook House Museum |
The Museum is the authentically restored home of General George Crook. It was constructed in 1879 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Crook House is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 1 to 4 p.m. The Crook House is located at historic Fort Omaha at 30th and Fort Streets.
Starting as a colonel during the American Civil War and promoted to general, Crook was captured by a band of Confederates, later paroled and again took up arms for the Union until Lee's surrender.
After the Civil War, General Crook led several expeditions in the frontier west including the expedition that eventually led to the Battle of the Little Bighorn in Montana.Involved in many expeditions against the Indians in the west, George Crook was considered by many to be the frontier west's most successful Indian fighter. Crook at different times in his career commanded the Division of Arizona and the Division of Missouri.
The house is an Italianate style, which represented the no-nonsense grandeur of the military frontier. The furnishings are from the 1880 Victorian period. From early November through the end of December, the museum celebrates Nineteenth Century Holidays. The Crook House Guild, with help from area designers and design students, transforms every room in the house into a captivating glimpse of Christmas past. The George Crook House exhibits how a Army Commanding Officer lived on the Frontier in the 1880s. The Crook House heirloom garden has more than 110 varieties of flowers and plants.
(Article copyright 2014 Western Trips. Photos and images in the public domain)
