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HistoricFlorence history is about as long as any other part of Nebraska. Europeans settled here even before Nebraska became a territory. First fur trappers/fur traders entered the territory, some even living with the Native Americans that occupied the territory. At the same time that the fur traders came along, the missionaries advanced into "Indian territory" and in particular, a couple were present in the area of Florence. In 1804, the Corp of Discovery Expedition traveled along the banks of the Missouri and even camped nearby. There is even speculation that Clark traveled in the area, specifically, very possibly that he traveled to Belvedere Point Lookout. In 1846, the Latter Day Saints (Mormons) arrived on the east banks of the Missouri River (near South Omaha) with plans to continue to the Rockies. A very few made it across the Missouri River, then camped (around 60th and L) while waiting for more to make it across so they could continue as a group. A better ferry needed to be built so as more arrived, they camped on the Iowa side (around L Street/South Omaha Bridge Road). Due to persecution of the remaining residents in Nauvoo, Illinois, many were forced to flee their homes, settling in small camps across the Mississippi River in Iowa. Concerned for their safety, Brigham Young (the leader of the advance party) decided that they should camp for the winter nearby, and send a rescue mission back to Nauvoo. Thomas L. Kane, a friend to the Mormons petitioned the United States Government to allow the Mormons to stay in the area for the winter, and continue their journey by providing services to sustain themselves. The U.S. Government allowed the Mormons to camp for two years in what was called "Indian country" (on the west side of the Missouri River near Florence but further west). Initially setting up a camp about four miles west of the river (60th and Mormon Bridge Road), due to differences of opinion among the native nations that resided here, the Mormons moved back toward the river and built a community in present day Florence. During the time of the Mormon's stay here, it was discovered that the Missouri River had a rock bottom, a unique feature not very common along the Missouri River. That important discovery led to present day Florence being built (1854) in the same location that the Mormons had camped nearly a decade before. The idea being that a rock bottom would be a perfect place to build a bridge for the transcontinental railroad. |
