Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1874-07-06
For the Monitor.
ON AHA.

|
is situated on beautiful plateau 60 or
20 feet above the Missouri River Eigh-
teen years ago there were few signs of
civilization, where now is a city unpar-
alleled for future prospects and rapid
growth. Its site is terminated on the
west by gentle hills, but stretches for
miles to the north. The streets are wide
and cross at right angles, dividing the
city into squares The business blocks
are numerous and handsome, being built
mostly of brick. Most of the residences
are situated in the northern and western
part of the city, and many of them are
very beautiful. Churches are numerous
| The first settler of Omaha crossed the
Missouri in 1858. In the next two
years, several other pioneers came here,
the Indians having sold their title for
$40. A city was then laid out, embrac-
ing 1855 acres. 1t now consists of $3.50
acres, and is continually advancing to
the north and west. The first territorial
legislature met here in building, until
lately occupied by the U. p. railroad
In the year 1864, S352,3l6.72 worth of
real estate were sold against S1,745,-
676.59 worth in 1868. A city charter
was granted in 1857.
Coming from the river, we first see
the brick breweries, while on the eleya.
lions about the city are handsome pri-
vate residences. Passing west, we now
see in succession, the South Ward school
house, Gas Works, Brownell Hall and
the Nunnery and to the north is seen
the High School building, which stands
on the site of the old Capitol, and is the
browning ornament of the city-being
planned by Randall of Chicago, and su-
perintended while building by Phenix
of Omaha. 1t is SOXl76 feet, is three
stories high and high mansard roof,
besides basement 10 l-2 feet high. 1t
is l65 feet from the ground to the vane
of the highest tower. The building is
built entirely of cut sandstone and brick.
The view from the top of the tower is
magnificent beneath lies the city with
its regular streets, blocks of fine bust
ness, beautiful residences and churches.
Beyond the city runs the mighty Mis-
souri,, with Council Bluffs basking in
the East. There is splendid iron
bridge across the river at this place. On
Farnham street are the Court house and
Grand Central hotel This hotel is 80
feet square, six stories high, and was
opened in the latter part of 1873. II
cost over S25O,O 600, and is built of brick
stone and galvanized iron. The new
post-ofhce and courthouse is three sto
ries high with mansard roof, is 66X12 2:
feet, and is built entirely eff brick, ston,
and iron when completed, its cost will
be nearly 100000. The Catholics hav
the best house of worship in the city
The Presbyterians, Methodists and Con
gregatlonalists have fine churches, ant
all other denominations are represented
The Smelling Works were erected by
party of Omaha gentlemen, and nov
have an immense business. The Oman;
Barracks are situated two miles mort
n of the city.
Manufactures are not yet much devel
e oped. In 1871 the Cement Pipe Work
were established. Mills of various kind
have been erected There are extensiy
Vinegar Works owned by Van Kuran (
i Co.
= In Omaha you meet with hote
/ about every half block. The principa
)" hotels are the Grand Central, Metropol
e tan, Wyoming, Atlantic, Donovan an
vt st. Charles
l. There are several well conducted new,
T papers published in the city. The dali
1t papers are the Herald, Republican, b,
% and Union.
e Omaha has four banks, which do bus
a ness with all the civilized world. III
y deposits of the Omaha National Banl
e in proportion to its capital, are larg,
70 than any other bank in the Unite
Ii States. The First National Bank has
BE capital of 100000. The other banl
N are Caldwell, Hamilton & Co.'s and Il
d, State Bank of Nebraska.
n Nearly.all known Chr istian associ,
IL tons are represented by houses of wo
ss ship. The societies, which are mostl
IN large and fourishing. are the Youn
Mems Christian Association, Mason
y Fraternity, Independent Order of Cd
e Fellows, Independent Order of Goo
ne Templars, knights of Pythias, Omal
I'd Medical Society and Turner's Society.
w Nearly all professions are represents
he here, the East having contributed son
at OF her best men. At law, especial
ne Omaha can hardly be surpassed.
Omaha has a communication with :,
great Northwest and the fertile reoio,
: OF the South, by means of the riy
= which sweeps its eastern border. Durir
:. the period of navigation several stear
g boats are very frequently seen at Il
! landing. Seven distinct railroads r,
: into the city, the principal induceme
:. being the completion for the business
:" the u. z. r. r.. which o;voo L..