Fort Omaha

Fort Omaha is a historic military district spanning eighty-one acres with original Army structures including headquarters, guardhouse, bakery, storage buildings, and ten barracks for soldiers. Metropolitan Community College now operates a campus here, using several of the nineteenth-century buildings for educational purposes.

The fort was founded in December 1868 as Sherman Barracks and served as a military operations base and protection point for Union Pacific Railroad construction. This installation became an important station for Army movements and control in the region during the era of westward expansion.

The grounds witnessed the 1879 trial of Standing Bear, a Ponca leader who won a legal victory for Native American rights. This courtroom battle remains a meaningful chapter that visitors reflect on when exploring the site.

The grounds are part of an active college campus, so expect students and faculty on site with some historic structures not always open to visitors. Check ahead to see which parts of the old military buildings are available for exploration on your visit.

During World War I, a specialized Balloon School operated here where soldiers trained to fly observation balloons for reconnaissance missions. This lesser-known training facility contributed to early aviation technology development.

Location: Omaha

Inception: December 5, 1868

Elevation above the sea: 321 m

Website: https://nps.gov/places/fort-omaha-historic-district.htm

GPS coordinates: 41.30690,-95.95720

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:03