SETTLING IN THE GREAT PLAINS

 

The Polish immigrants recruited to the Plains settled in several rural counties in Nebraska along with Omaha. In addition, many others settled in both North Dakota and Minnesota. 

 

When many reached the urban locations they decided to abandon their farming and agricultural pasts and work labor jobs instead.  In the Omaha area this would help lead to the development of what was then known as South Omaha.

Eventually three major Roman Catholic parishes were established and the overall Polish population of the area was estimated to reach around 10,000.

 

Among other events, Polish weddings were legendary as several generations would join in and the celebrations would last for days.