Little Italy, Omaha

Little Italy is a neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska which served as the historic home to Omahans of Italian ancestry. It was the source of many laborers for the Union Pacific railroad, much of Omaha's bootlegging during Prohibition and the Santa Lucia Procession, which started in 1924 and continues annually.[1]

The community is bounded by Pacific Street on the north, Center Street on the south, South 10th Street on the west and the Missouri River on the east.[2] It is located immediately south of the Burlington Train Station and the Omaha Rail and Commerce Historic District.

In June 2008, the City of Omaha has announced plans to revitalize the area because of its proximity to Nebraska's top two tourist attractions, the Old Market District and the Henry Doorly Zoo. The plan calls for 10th Street to be improved with a streetcar line, treelines, parks, fountains and sculpture.[3]

  1. ^ Larsen, L. and Cotrell, B. (1997) The Gate City: A history of Omaha. University of Nebraska Press. p. 161.
  2. ^ "Reconnaissance Survey of Portions of South Central Omaha, Nebraska: Historic Buildings Survey" (PDF). Mead & Hunt, Inc. Nebraska State Historical Society. 2006. p. 7. Archived from the original on January 30, 2007. Retrieved 2007-06-16.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  3. ^ Press Release from the Office of the Mayor, City of Omaha (June 2, 2008) City and Neighbors Partner to Preserve and Enhance South Omaha Corridors