Omaha

West Omaha is a topographical area of Omaha, Nebraska, that includes all areas that are within the Omaha metropolitan area west of 72nd Street. West Omaha is home to several neighborhoods, such as the historical Boys Town, and Ralston, Elkhorn, Millard, and Chalco. Trailblazers from neighboring Council Bluffs, Iowa, founded Omaha in 1854. Positioned right on the Missouri River in the Midwest area of the United States, it is roughly 10 miles north of the Platte River mouth. Considered a vital national transportation hub during the 19th century because of its central national location, transportation, railroads, and breweries quickly become the most employed sectors. In 1898, the World's Fair, also referred to as the Trans-Mississippi Exposition, was held in Omaha. The city was nicknamed the “Gateway to the West” after a nearby crossing called Lone Tree Ferry. Today Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska and is home to five Fortune 500 companies. Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine named the city of Omaha the nation's third best city to live, work, and play for 2008.