Upstream Metropolis: An Urban Biography of Omaha and Council Bluffs

by Lawrence H. Larsen, Harl A. Dalstrom, Kay Calame Dalstrom

From its birth as interdependent towns on the Missouri River frontier to its emergence as a metropolis straddling two states, Omaha–Council Bluffs has been one of the great urban construction projects in the nation’s history. Upstream Metropolis provides the first comprehensive history of this unique urban region that ranks 60th among the 370 major metropolitan areas in the United States. Drawing on local newspapers and historical archives, the authors deliver an anecdote-rich account of how and why a large metropolitan area developed in this spot. They also explain why it grew so big—and no bigger—but could never have remained two small towns.

 

Upstream Metropolis is an urban biography of the highest order, tracing the lives of two cities, which though divided by a river, the problems of a state line, and inevitable rivalry, have always been inextricably linked. This discussion moves from the freewheeling frontier days to the times of farming and railroads, examining influences such as the populist movement, the meatpacking industry, immigration, and ethnicity.  The highly readable result is a pioneering contribution to the history of urbanization in America.

Genres: History

496 pages, Paperback

First published January 6, 2007

Reviews

[Theresa Jehlik · Rating 3 out of 5]

This urban biography charts the growth of Omaha from its earliest days in 1854 to 2005. Using many primary sources, the authors (from Kansas City) chart Omaha's growth through its frontier days, "colonization" period by the railroads and meat packers, immigration center, infusion of federal money since the Great Depression, and its search for national recognition. This very readable academic work also employs colorful anecdotes to illustrate Omaha's history as a "wide open town", its populist movement, and the always ongoing clash between the elites who want total control and recognition and the working class who want decent wages and low taxes. These tensions still exist today as Omaha continues its transition from a blue-collar town to a white-collar city. The East-West divide within its population is as old as Omaha.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished it. It was a good read on the history of Omaha and Council Bluffs. It deals with the history of the area up until the late 2000's. It covered a great part of history I never learned growing up there and then some. It breaks the history down into 3 parts including history of the city then the social history and the prevailing issues.

Never knew Omaha had such a history of mob activities and the political climate.

I just wished it covered North Omaha history more instead of Downtown and South Omaha.