Boys’ Town is a notable Catholic orphanage started in Omaha in 1917. It moved from downtown Omaha to the “outskirts” of the city in 1921. The city grew to encapsulate it, and it technically sits in the village of Boys’ Town, Omaha, which is an enclave at 144th and Dodge Street.
Boys’ Town has evolved as a general child care and welfare organization with offshoots in nine American cities. There is also a research hospital in downtown Omaha.
Boys’ Town has been depicted in multiple movies during its history, including Boys’ Town starring Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney which was the highest grossing film of 1938.