National Register Listing

Scottish Rite Cathedral

a.k.a. Scottish Rite Masonic Center; NEHRSI#: DO09:0124-007

202 S. 20th St., Omaha, NE
Local significance of the building:
Social History; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

social history architecture
During World War II, Nebraska was the site of several prisoner-of-war camps, which housed German and Italian soldiers.
Nebraska random facts
Douglas County, Nebraska, located in the Midwestern United States, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region was initially populated by Native American tribes, including the Omaha, Pawnee, and Otoe peoples, who farmed the land and established settlements along the Missouri River. European explorers, such as French trader Pierre Laclède and Spanish explorer Francisco Vazquez de Coronado, visited the area in the 18th century.

The first permanent European settlement in the area was established in 1854 by a group of Mormons who created the town of Omaha. The town quickly grew as a result of the California Gold Rush, as many pioneers passed through the region on their way westward. In 1854, Douglas County was officially organized and named after Stephen A. Douglas, a prominent U.S. senator.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant development and growth in Douglas County. Railroads played a major role in the county's expansion, linking Omaha to other parts of the country and facilitating trade and commerce. In 1898, the Trans-Mississippi Exposition was held in Omaha, attracting millions of visitors and showcasing the region's progress.

Despite its growth and prosperity, Douglas County also faced challenges. In the early 20th century, racial tensions emerged, leading to racial violence and segregation. Additionally, the Great Depression of the 1930s had a significant impact on the county, prompting the government to implement various New Deal programs to provide relief and stimulate economic recovery.

Today, Douglas County continues to be a vibrant and diverse community, serving as the economic and cultural center of Nebraska. With its rich history and commitment to progress, the county remains an important part of the region's heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Douglas County, Nebraska.

  • 1854: Douglas County, NE is established as a county within the Nebraska Territory.
  • 1867: Nebraska becomes a state, and Douglas County remains a county within the state.
  • 1874: The city of Omaha, located in Douglas County, becomes the state's capital.
  • 1917: The city of Omaha annexes South Omaha, expanding the city's boundaries.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression impacts Douglas County, leading to economic challenges for the area.
  • 1960s: Civil rights movements take place, including protests and demonstrations, within Douglas County.
  • 1975: The Omaha Public School District implements court-ordered desegregation after a landmark Supreme Court case.
  • 2007: The Omaha Performing Arts center, commonly known as the Holland Performing Arts Center, opens in downtown Omaha.
  • 2016: The University of Nebraska Medical Center in Douglas County becomes a designated Ebola treatment center.