Danes in Omaha, Nebraska
Encyclopedia
The Danish people in Omaha, Nebraska
were a predominant ethnic group in the city in the 1920s, and were notable for that compared to other cities across the United States. Omaha, as well as its neighbor, Council Bluffs
, had "major colonies of Danes for many years."
with the Mormons
in the 1840s.
A Danish language newspaper called Den Danske Pioneer was founded in Omaha in 1872. 75 percent of its subscribers were Danish farmers in the United States. In 1882, the Danish Brotherhood in America
, a fraternity, was founded in Omaha. In 2010, it counts about 8,000 members.
celebrations annually for many decades.
As Danes assimilated into American culture throughout the 20th century, many of their institutions faded and closed. The Trinity Norwegian-Danish Lutheran Church was organized in 1895 and was located on T Street near 28th in South Omaha
. It was dissolved in 1914. In 2010, the Dana College
, founded by the Danes of Omaha in neighboring Blair, Nebraska
, closed as well.
The Springwell Danish Cemetery
is located in North Omaha. First used in 1868, this cemetery was formally commissioned in 1889 by local Danes. It was designated an Omaha Landmark in 1996.
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha is the largest city in the state of Nebraska, United States, and is the county seat of Douglas County. It is located in the Midwestern United States on the Missouri River, about 20 miles north of the mouth of the Platte River...
were a predominant ethnic group in the city in the 1920s, and were notable for that compared to other cities across the United States. Omaha, as well as its neighbor, Council Bluffs
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Council Bluffs, known until 1852 as Kanesville, Iowathe historic starting point of the Mormon Trail and eventual northernmost anchor town of the other emigrant trailsis a city in and the county seat of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, United States and is on the east bank of the Missouri River across...
, had "major colonies of Danes for many years."
History
According to the definitive 1882 History of the State of Nebraska, the first Danes in Nebraska arrived at FlorenceFlorence, Nebraska
Florence is a neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska on the city's north end and originally one of the oldest cities in Nebraska. It was incorporated by the Nebraska Territorial Legislature on March 10, 1857. The site of Winter Quarters for Mormon migrants traveling west, it has the oldest cemetery for...
with the Mormons
Mormons
The Mormons are a religious and cultural group related to Mormonism, a religion started by Joseph Smith during the American Second Great Awakening. A vast majority of Mormons are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while a minority are members of other independent churches....
in the 1840s.
A Danish language newspaper called Den Danske Pioneer was founded in Omaha in 1872. 75 percent of its subscribers were Danish farmers in the United States. In 1882, the Danish Brotherhood in America
Danish Brotherhood in America
Danish Brotherhood in America is a fraternal organization that was founded in 1882 in Omaha, Nebraska. It has about 8,000 members in 2010. A period report said of the Danish Brotherhood, "This is by far the strongest and most influential secular organization about the Danes in America."- History...
, a fraternity, was founded in Omaha. In 2010, it counts about 8,000 members.
Legacy
A legacy of the continued influence of Danes in Omaha is the Danish Vennelyst Park, a private facility owned and operated by the Danish American Society of Omaha. The park held Denmark's Constitution DayConstitution Day (Denmark)
Constitution Day , observed on June 5, commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the Danish constitution of 1849, which established Denmark as a constitutional monarchy, and honors the constitution of 1953, which was adopted on the same day...
celebrations annually for many decades.
As Danes assimilated into American culture throughout the 20th century, many of their institutions faded and closed. The Trinity Norwegian-Danish Lutheran Church was organized in 1895 and was located on T Street near 28th in South Omaha
South Omaha, Nebraska
South Omaha, Nebraska is a former city and current district of Omaha, Nebraska. During its initial development phase the town's nickname was "The Magic City" because of the seemingly overnight growth due to the rapid development of the Union Stockyards. Annexed by the City of Omaha in 1915, the...
. It was dissolved in 1914. In 2010, the Dana College
Dana College
Dana College is a now defunct baccalaureate college located in Blair, Nebraska. Its rural 150-acre campus is approximately 25 miles northwest of Omaha, and overlooks a portion of the Missouri River Valley....
, founded by the Danes of Omaha in neighboring Blair, Nebraska
Blair, Nebraska
Blair is a city in and the county seat of Washington County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 7,990 at the 2000 census. Blair is a part of the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Statistical Area.- History :...
, closed as well.
The Springwell Danish Cemetery
Springwell Danish Cemetery
The Springwell Danish Cemetery is located at 6326 Hartman Avenue in north Omaha, Nebraska. First used in 1868, this cemetery was formally established in 1889 by Danish immigrants. It was designated an Omaha Landmark in 1996.-About:...
is located in North Omaha. First used in 1868, this cemetery was formally commissioned in 1889 by local Danes. It was designated an Omaha Landmark in 1996.
See also
- Danish American
- History of Omaha, NebraskaHistory of Omaha, NebraskaThe history of Omaha, Nebraska began before the settlement of the city, with speculators from neighboring Council Bluffs, Iowa staking land across the Missouri River illegally as early as the 1840s. Before it was legal to claim land in Indian Country, William D. Brown was operating the Lone Tree...
- Culture in Omaha, Nebraska
- Springwell Danish CemeterySpringwell Danish CemeteryThe Springwell Danish Cemetery is located at 6326 Hartman Avenue in north Omaha, Nebraska. First used in 1868, this cemetery was formally established in 1889 by Danish immigrants. It was designated an Omaha Landmark in 1996.-About:...