numerous businesses important to Omaha's growth, with early examples including a hominy mill and a plaster mill. The Carter White Lead Company built a large scale plant in East Omaha. On its north edge, East Omaha was home to the Beechwood community. In 1948 the Beechwood School District joined Omaha Public Schools, almost eliminating all traces of the Beechwood community. However, the community is still noted on maps. History timeline Early 19th century - Omaha nation occupies area 1853 - First European-American claim placed on East Omaha 1854 - East Omaha annexed by the City of Omaha 1877 - Flood creates the oxbow lake to become known as Carter Lake 1880s - East Omaha cleared and house lots offered for sale 1887 - Sherman School founded 1890 - Most expensive Nebraska land deal to date occurs in East Omaha 1896 - Omaha loses Carter Lake-area to Iowa in U.S. Supreme Court case 1897 - East Omaha considered for Trans-Mississippi Exhibition 1913 - Easter Sunday tornado obliterates East Omaha 1920s - Carter Lake secedes from Council Bluffs and wants to re-join East Omaha; Omaha denies the offer 1930 - Carter Lake, Iowa incorporated 1947 - Floods destroy many homes in area 1948 - Beechwood School District merges with Omaha Public Schools Economy East Omaha is home to Omaha's main airport, Eppley Airfield. It is also a major industrial manufacturing and warehousing area, with the Lozier Corporation located at 6336 John J. Pershing Drive and several shipping companies in the area. The Omaha Public Power District North Omaha plant is also in the area. Education Schools have long played an important role in East Omaha's identity, with the most important being Sherman Elementary School, which is part of Omaha Public Schools. Sherman's history extends back to 1887. At its largest the school had almost 600 students in grades kindergarten through eight. Other important schools in the area included Beechwood Elementary School, part of the now-defunct Beechwood School District, and Pershing Elementary School, once located at 28th and Perkins Street. It was razed in 1968 when Eppley Airfield was expanded. The community was also home to Saint Therese School located at N. 16th& Ogden. Environment A recent report named East Omaha "one of the most dangerous toxic waste sites in the nation" after the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showed that more than 2,600 children in the area have lead poisoning. In