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HERNDON HOUSE

The Herndon House, located on the northeast corner of 9th and Farnam Streets, opened in September of 1858. It was the first major hotel built in Omaha and was the resting spot for many notable individuals, including Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. It was stated that the hotel “would have been a credit to any metropolitan city in the United States in those days” (Sorenson, 1923, p.224). Noted for its menu, the Herndon House “prided itself on serving all the lobsters, oysters, clams and other sea food that could be found on a table in Boston and New York” (“Herndon House”, 1922, p.1). A wide selection of native game could also be had at the Herndon. By 1868, the hotel was billing itself as the “International,” as seen in this image. From 1869-1911 the building housed the headquarters of the Union Pacific Railroad company. In 1911, Union Pacific moved its headquarters into a new building at 15th and Dodge Streets. From 1911 until its demolition in 1922, the former Herndon House was used as a storage facility by Union Pacific.

Becker, H. W. “Omaha: A Century in Photos – Railroad’s Old Home.” Omaha Sun Newspapers, 17 December 1970.

Becker, H. W. “Omaha: A Century in Photos – This Is How Omaha Looked in 1861.” Omaha Sun Newspapers, 23 December 1971.

“Herndon House, City Landmark, To Be Torn Down.” Omaha Morning World Herald, 9 June 1922. Pages 1-2.

Sorenson, Alfred. The Story of Omaha from the Pioneer Days to the Present Time. Omaha: National Printing Company, 1923. Page 224.