Two Landmarks in Nebraska: General Crook House Museum & Fort Omaha

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LOCATION: 5730 N. 30th St, 11b, Omaha, NE 68111

Historical landmarks in Nebraska, specifically Omaha. This is what I was looking for. Something new to do. I was visiting on a business trip but came in early due to the flight times. After a quick Google search, I found the General Crook House Museum in Fort Omaha open on a Sunday! Keep reading to learn more about this house and my experience here.

The History

I’m not a historian by any means, but I do love to visit places with history. And this home is one of the landmarks in Nebraska with an interesting history. I learned from my visit to the General Crook House Museum that General Crook was stationed here at Fort Omaha. Fort Omaha was an army supply post.

The story I was told goes: The Federal Government relocated the Ponca Tribe, who were native to the area, to Indian Territory in Oklahoma. When they arrived, they did not have enough food and got there late in the planting season, so they could not cultivate crops. As a result, many members of the tribe faced starvation. In response, Chief Standing Bear and some tribe members decided to walk back home to Iowa and Nebraska. Tragically, many died along the way.

Upon reaching Sioux City, Iowa, General Crook received orders to retrieve Chief Standing Bear and his tribe and return them to the Indian Territories in Oklahoma. However, General Crook chose to disobey these orders. He did retrieve the tribe, but instead of taking them back to Oklahoma, he brought them to Fort Omaha. He placed them in custody and made sure to feed them so they could regain their health.

Furthermore, according to my guide, General Crook assisted Chief Standing Bear in suing the Federal Government for civil rights in the 1879 case of Chief Standing Bear vs. Crook, which they won!

The House

General Crook constructed this house at the Fort, serving as the primary residence for every general stationed there. Eventually, the Fort became a Navy Support Center; now, it is home to Metropolitan Community College. Notable individuals, including Ulysses S. Grant, have stayed in this house. General Crook was in charge of building this home in 1879; it is on the National Register of Historic Places and one of the notable landmarks in Nebraska.

The Experience

Upon arriving on Sunday afternoon, I found the Fort, which now functions as a school, very quiet. The building appeared empty. I double-checked the website and confirmed it was open. I made my way up to the front porch and knocked. A friendly lady answered the door, confirmed they were open, and invited me inside. She provided a brief history of the place; most of the information I’ve shared above came from her. Although the tour was self-guided, she was kind enough to give me a private showing of a few items, such as the music box; she pointed out the original hardware and shared some fascinating stories.

After making my way through the house, the kind lady offered me some hot cider and cookies, which I gladly accepted, sitting in the dining room to enjoy.

Bottom Line

It was a wonderful experience and a great way to learn more about history while enjoying the afternoon in Omaha and one of the notable landmarks in Nebraska.

There is a small fee to tour the home. It’s open seven days a week except for specific holidays, and you can rent it for events.

If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Omaha, be sure to visit Things to do in Omaha and Meet Bob, A Pedestrian Bridge Linking Omaha and Council Bluffs.

Need a place to overnight? Check out Magnolia Omaha, One of the best hotels in OmahaThe Cottonwood Hotel, and Hotel Deco, The Art Deco Hotel in Omaha, Nebraska.

Hungry or Thirsty? Check out, Saddle Creek Breakfast ClubThe Green RoomTakeoff Rooftop BarUpstream Brewing CompanyJackson Street Tavern,  Wilson and Washburn,  801 Chophouse, and Ted & Wally’s.

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