South Omaha Land Company

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The South Omaha Land Company was created in South Omaha, Nebraska in 1887. Founders included William A. Paxton. [1]

South Omaha is a former city and current district of Omaha, Nebraska, United States. 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 community has numerous historical landmarks many are within the South Omaha Main Street Historic District.

William A. Paxton was an American pioneer businessman and politician in Omaha, Nebraska. His life as a rancher and cattleman early in his life, as well as early work with the Union Pacific Railroad was highly regarded among his contemporaries; his success as a businessman later in his life led him to great wealth. His leadership is seen as an essential factor in Omaha becoming a prominent stockyards and meatpacking center. He is frequently referred to as "the real founder of South Omaha."

Contents

History

The Union Stock Yards Company of Omaha paid $100,000 to the South Omaha Land Company for 156.5 acres (0.633 km2) of land to serve as a transfer station en route to Chicago. In March 1887, two men named McShane and J. H. Bosler bought out the South Omaha Land Syndicate, immediately forming the South Omaha Land Company with William A. Paxton as president, Bosler as vice-president, Iler as secretary, John A. Creighton as treasure, and Messrs Paxton, Bosler, Iler, Creighton, McShane, Smith, Kountze, Nelson Morris and J. M. Woolworth as directors. A million dollars in stock was soon made available, and the South Omaha Land Syndicate's were paid off, as well [2]

Union Stock Yards Company of Omaha

The Union Stock Yards Company of Omaha was a 90-year-old company first founded in South Omaha, Nebraska in 1876 by John A. Smiley. After being moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa and dissolved within a year, the company was reorganized and moved to South Omaha in 1883. Six local businessmen responded to a request by Wyoming cattle baron Alexander Swan showing interest in a livestock market closer than the Union Stock Yards in Chicago, Illinois. The Company's Union Stockyards in South Omaha were once a fierce rival of Chicago's Union Stock Yards. The Union Stock Yards Company of Omaha was bought out in 1973.

John A. Creighton American businessman

Count John Andrew Creighton was a pioneer businessman and philanthropist in Omaha, Nebraska who founded Creighton University. The younger brother of Edward Creighton, John was responsible for a variety of institutions throughout the city of Omaha, and was ennobled by Pope Leo XIII in recognition of his contributions to Creighton University, the Catholic community in Omaha, and the city of Omaha in general.

Nelson Morris was the founder of Morris & Company, one of the three main meat-packing companies in Chicago along with Armour & Company and Swift & Company.

Syndicate Park

In 1887 the South Omaha Land Company developed the land that would become known as Syndicate Park in South Omaha. At the time they spent about $30,000 for improvements, including payment for landscape architects. In 1892, the Company built a seven-foot fence around the property, effectively closing off the park to public use. After battles with residents, the Company sold part of the land for building lots, but agreed to keep a portion open for the public. After South Omaha was annexed by the City of Omaha in 1917, the area became known as Spring Lake Park. [3]

Landscape architect person involved in the planning, design and sometimes direction of a landscape, garden, or distinct space

A landscape architect is a person who is educated in the field of landscape architecture. The practice of landscape architecture includes: site analysis, site inventory, land planning, planting design, grading, storm water management, sustainable design, construction specification and ensuring that all plans meet the current building codes and local and federal ordinances. The title landscape architect was first used by Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of New York City's Central Park.

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References

  1. Rea, L. (nd) "Education: Omaha Timeline" Archived 2007-09-27 at the Wayback Machine . Douglas County Historical Society. Retrieved 6/25/07.
  2. (nd) History of Omaha. Omaha Illustrated. Retrieved 6/25/07.
  3. (2007) Spring Lake Park. City of Omaha Parks and Recreation. Retrieved 6/24/07.