Fort Calhoun

History

The area surrounding present-day Fort Calhoun was historically inhabited by Native American peoples, including nations of the central Great Plains. Its location along the Missouri River made the region significant for transportation, trade, and diplomatic relations between Indigenous nations and European-American explorers. In 1804, members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition visited the area and held a diplomatic meeting with representatives of the Otoe and Missouri tribes at a location known as Council Bluff. The site was later considered strategically important because of its position overlooking the Missouri River. In 1819, the United States Army established Fort Atkinson near present-day Fort Calhoun. The fort became the first permanent United States military post west of the Missouri River and served as a center for military operations, trade protection, and relations with Native American nations. It remained active until 1827, when it was abandoned as the Army shifted its focus farther west. Following the abandonment of Fort Atkinson, settlers gradually moved into the surrounding area. Fort Calhoun was platted in 1855 during the period of settlement following the creation of the Nebraska Territory. The community was named after John C. Calhoun, a prominent American statesman who served as the seventh Vice President of the United States. The town developed primarily as an agricultural settlement due to the fertile lands of the Missouri River valley. Farming, livestock production, and local commerce became central parts of the community's economy throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. During the 20th century, Fort Calhoun remained a small agricultural community while becoming increasingly connected to nearby Omaha through improved transportation networks. The…

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• BLAIR HIGH SCHOOL
  High · BLAIR · 710 students · 15.8:1 ratio
• GERALD OTTE BLAIR MIDDLE SCH
  Middle · BLAIR · 506 students · 15.3:1 ratio
• BLAIR ARBOR PARK INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
  Elementary · BLAIR · 475 students · 15.3:1 ratio
• FORT CALHOUN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
  Elementary · FORT CALHOUN · 457 students · 16.3:1 ratio
• FORT CALHOUN JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL
  High · FORT CALHOUN · 368 students · 16:1 ratio
• DEERFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
  Elementary · BLAIR · 288 students · 18:1 ratio
• BLAIR NORTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
  Elementary · BLAIR · 172 students · 12.3:1 ratio
• BLAIR SOUTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
  Elementary · BLAIR · 123 students · 13.7:1 ratio