Editing Omaha, Arkansas (section)

==History==
Omaha's first post office was set up on August 7, 1873. A census taken at the time showed there was a population of around 35 people.<ref>{{Citation
  | title = Omaha, Arkansas
 
  | pages = 48
  |date=May–June 1994  }}</ref>

By the year 1884, businesses included four steam saw mills, and four flour mills. In the year 1892, additional businesses included a saw and grist mill, general store, and a blacksmith shop.<ref name="Omaha, Arkansas">{{Citation
  | title = Omaha, Arkansas
  | newspaper = Omaha (Nebraska) Magazine
  | pages = 48
  |date=May–June 1994  }}</ref>

An undated advertisement for Omaha indicated the town was along the Missouri Pacific Railroad and "State Highway 65". It further indicated the school had 450 students. The advertisement described churches of every main denomination, that the town had electric and telephone service, a bank, canning factory, feed stores, a machine shop, mill, a modern garage, lumber yards and various types of stores. The ad claimed the town was started in 1878 after J.H. Middleton of Missouri came and began a general store.<ref>{{Citation
  | last = Steiner
  | first = Geo. H.
  | title = Omaha, Arkansas }}</ref>

In the 1930s, the town attempted to qualify as a border city due to its proximity to the Arkansas/Missouri state line. Missouri's gas taxes are lower than Arkansas', thus Omaha tried to take advantage of the lower tax. That incorporation was found to be invalid by the state supreme court in 1941.<ref name="Omaha, Arkansas"/>

Old US 65 went through Omaha, causing travelers from further south in Arkansas (such as [[Harrison, Arkansas|Harrison]]) to go through Omaha on the way to Missouri, and likewise for travelers heading further south from Missouri. Businesses along the route were able to thrive.  Although the new [[U.S. Route 65]], opened in late 1999, was judged to be safer and reduced travel time, it completely bypassed Omaha.  Businesses deriving revenue from the tourist trade felt the impact on the first day of the new road opening. Ultimately, they were devastated.  Some businesses planned to relocate to Branson at the time. Many noted that people will never even know Omaha exists. It was noted that old US 65 became so quiet that dogs could safely lie in the street.<ref>{{Citation
  | last = Lair
  | first = Dwain
  | title = Safer Passage Biggest Benefit to Repositioned 65 North
  | date = December 12, 1999 }}</ref>

Former University of Arkansas football All-American [[Brandon Burlsworth]] is buried at Gass Cemetery in Omaha.