With more than 45,000 businesses in the Omaha area, according to the Greater Omaha Chamber, the city is home to a network of both new businesses and longstanding, still-operating businesses that serve as active pieces of Omaha history. Among these are some of the oldest operating businesses in the region. These legacy businesses not only reflect Omaha’s entrepreneurial spirit, but also serve as a reminder of how innovation and tradition can work hand in hand to mold a city.
The 30 oldest businesses can be followed back to 1855. Among them are familiar names such as Johnson Hardware, NP Dodge, and the Aradius Group (originally founded in 1856 as Omaha Print). These businesses have stayed within their founding families for over a century, an indication of Omaha’s community and dedication, having established themselves as Omaha legacies.
Omaha also gave rise to major institutions that have helped shape the city’s identity. Union Pacific and First National Bank were both founded in the mid-1800s and have played a pivotal role in connecting Omaha nationally. By the late 1800s, many medical and educational institutions opened. These include Brownell-Talbot in 1863, University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1869, Metro Omaha Medical Society in 1866, and Creighton University in 1878, all of which continue to educate and shape professionals in Omaha…