What's the *beef* on the old Omaha Stockyards?
The stories of the late Union Stockyards, lovingly known by many as the Omaha Stockyards, are a cultural icon and marker of years gone by. In this episode, regional historian Ryan Roenfeld gives us the *beef* on the rise and fall of the Omaha Stockyards. We discuss the factors and influences that led to the stockyards’ development and rapid boom. Then, we dissect the demise of the yards and some of the economic and cultural impacts of the stockyards that remain today. As a special bonus, Ryan also shares his insight on some other Omaha historical icons, including the Old Market historical district. Even if you’ll never be caught dead saying “Go Big Red,” this episode will have you feeling like an honorary Husker!
Ryan Roenfeld is a 6th-generation resident of southwest Iowa and the author or co-author of numerous local historical works concerning the Omaha/Council Bluffs metropolitan area. He has also had short fiction published by Thirteenth Floor Magazine of Omaha, Nebraska and Text-Lit Mag of Nanaimo, British Columbia, several nonfiction articles in Omaha magazine, as well as poetry by Off-Beat Pulp of Kansas City, gloomcupboard.com, and the University of Iowa's Daily Palette. Mr. Roenfeld also published extensive music reviews in the Iowa City Icon newspaper as well as the West Coast and Northeast editions of Performer Magazine.
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Check out Ryan’s work at https://www.amazon.com/Ryan-Roenfeld/e/B003RGU1DA.