Little Bohemia (Omaha, Nebraska)
Little Bohemia is a historic neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska, generally recognized as being located south of downtown Omaha, roughly bounded by South 10th Street to the west, Interstate 480 to the north, South 16th Street to the west, and Martha Street to the south.
Characterized by its historical Czech immigrant population and architecture, Little Bohemia once served as a vital cultural and economic hub for Omaha's Czech community. The neighborhood's name reflects the region of Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic, from which many of its original settlers emigrated.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Little Bohemia flourished, boasting a number of businesses catering to the Czech community, including bakeries, butcher shops, social halls, and breweries. Many of the buildings in the neighborhood reflect traditional Czech architectural styles.
In the latter half of the 20th century, like many urban ethnic enclaves, Little Bohemia experienced decline due to suburbanization and changing demographics. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in preserving the neighborhood's history and revitalizing its buildings. Efforts are underway to attract new businesses and residents while maintaining its distinctive cultural identity. Little Bohemia now features a mix of residential properties, restaurants, bars, and art galleries, contributing to its evolving identity as a historical and cultural destination.
The neighborhood is home to several designated landmarks and is often a site for community events celebrating Czech heritage.