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Maquoketa is the county seat of Jackson County and has a population of 6100 residents. Maquoketa is readily accessible from four-lane US Highway 61 and Iowa Highway 64. Maquoketa is 35miles North of Interstate 80 and the Quad Cities, 30 miles South of Dubuque, 50 miles East of Cedar Rapids and 180 miles West of Chicago.
A municipal airport is located 5 miles West of the City on Highway 64. Maquoketa has many community cultural opportunities including two art galleries and a community theatre. The Maquoketa Carnegie Library finished a 1.65 million dollar renovation in 1999. The Onward Fine Arts Center opened to the public in 2005.
Maquoketa has numerous city parks and outdoor recreation and amateur sports opportunities. An indoor community recreational facility was opened in 2007. Maquoketa is home to the Jackson County Fairgrounds and the Jackson County Fair. The Jackson County Historical Society Museum is located on the Fairgrounds.
Maquoketa has Industrial Parks with municipal utilities and services in place South (100 acres) and East of the city. The Maquoketa Industrial Development Assistance Services provides financial assistance to new and existing businesses.
Maquoketa has a wide range of housing opportunities available including historic homes in downtown Maquoketa, three new housing subdivisions on the edge of the city, two elderly housing projects and one assisted living project.
Andrew was named for the founder of the town, Andrew Thorkey. He was a local businessman who had acquired land through several deals done with farmers in 1854. He died in 1904 from suicide after having a long struggle with depression. His doctor logged the condition as "Malady of the mind, due to injury of the testis from childhood farming calamity".
Andrew was home to the first governor of Iowa, Ansel Briggs. On September 22, 1909 the citizens of Andrew erected a granite monument in the city cemetery in his honor. Although Briggs was originally buried in Omaha, Nebraska he was re-interred in 1909 in the Andrew Cemetery.
The Jackson County Jailhouse was built in 1870 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The three-story limestone structure includes sheriff's office, cell room, exercise yard, a jailer quarters, and prison kitchen. The jailhouse has since been restored and tours are given.
Andrew is the birthplace of the first American military casualty of World War II, Captain Robert M. Losey, who was killed during a German Luftwaffe bombing of Dombås, Norway.
Andrew has three churches: St John's Catholic Church, Presbyterian Church and Salem Lutheran Church. Salem Lutheran Church was organized in 1863 and was one of Iowa's first orphanages.
Andrew School is a public kindergarten through 12th grade school located in town. Andrew Community School has been in operation since 1913. The school is part of Iowa's Big East Conference.
Andrew is a Class 1A school and is considered small even for 1A. Andrew students scored very well in the 2007 Iowa Tests of Educational Development. The Andrew girls' track and field team won the Class 1A State Championship in 1997. The Andrew Hawks girls' basketball team went to state in 2007. The boys' team came one win away from state, but were district champions.
The City of Preston was incorporated on November 11, 1890 and its present population is approximately 949. The City is located in Jackson County approximately 50 minutes from Dubuque and the Quad Cities.
As of 2009, Preston's population is 927 people. Since 2000, it has had a population growth of -0.95 percent.
The median home cost in Preston is $94,520. Home appreciation the last year has been -2.30 percent.
Compared to the rest of the country, Preston's cost of living is 16.21% Lower than the U.S. average.
Preston public schools spend $6,106 per student. The average school expenditure in the U.S. is $6,058. There are about 12 students per teacher in Preston.
The unemployment rate in Preston is 8.00 percent (U.S. avg. is 8.50%). Recent job growth is positive. Preston jobs have Increased by 3.60 percent.
"Welcome to the City of DeWitt. Here in DeWitt we pride ourselves on our community spirit, well kept properties, and friendly citizens. We are the quintessential midwest hometown."
DeWitt is blessed with a hardworking, skilled and educated workforce, supported by numerous quality private and public institutions of higher learning in or near the DeWitt area. Our progressive economic development focus promotes citizen involvement in developing City priorities. This formula for success has positioned DeWitt to be among the top cities in the Midwest to raise a family, have a meaningful career, start or grow a business, and enjoy life!
I believe you will find the City of DeWitt website to be user-friendly and I invite you to use it as another way to interact with our local city government. We're adding more to our website all the time, thank you for visiting and come back soon!
Geography
Long Grove is located at 41°41′49″N 90°35′6″W / 41.69694°N 90.585°W / 41.69694; -90.585 (41.696806, -90.584974).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.8 square miles (2.2 km²), all of it land.
Education
Long Grove is part of the North Scott School District. Elementary-aged students from the city and adjoining nearby areas attend Alan Shepard Elementary. Junior high and high school students attend the North Scott Junior High and North Scott High School located in Eldridge.
Culture
The town's annual celebration represents Long Grove's claim to fame: The Strawberry Festival. Held the second Sunday each June, the day kicks off at 9 a.m. with the Strawberry Stampede - youth fun/competitive fitness footraces followed by a parade at 11:15 a.m.. Area strawberry farmers sell strawberries, there are games for children, a children's Strawberry Pageant, Trivia Contest, Raffle, Strawberry Cooking Contest, petting zoo, pony rides, wagon rides, and a variety of entertainment groups throughout the day. Community organizations provide a wide variety of food choices. Strawberry shortcake, ice cream, kettle corn and other foods are available throughout the day. The Long Grove Strawberry Festival is an excellent example of small town Americana, a taste of days gone by.
Another attraction is the Alexander Brownlie Sod House, on the city's north side. The sod house was built by the Brownlie Brothers and dates from Iowa's prairie days of the 1830s. The house, which is open for tours, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Located approximately six miles north and east of Long Grove is the Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village, at the north edge of Scott County Park. The village, a re-creation of an 1860s Scott County cross-roads settlement and stage coach, is made up of 18 historic buildings including an old church, a bank, a train depot and boardwalk of shops. Numerous events are scheduled throughout the year.
Scott County Park is a 1,280-acre (5 km2) county park that offers numerous amenities and camping facilities.
Organizations include the Long Grove Lions Club, the Long Grove Civic League, the Long Grove Sportsman's Club and the Cub Scouts.
Government
Long Grove has a mayor-council form of government, and meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at city hall. The city also has fire and police protection. Also representing city interests are:
A park board, which has raised funds for new playground equipment and beautifying the city's parks
Plan and Zone Commission, which meets on the third Monday of each month.
Even though Eldridge is experiencing rapid growth, we haven't lost our hometown appeal. Our civic groups, schools, churches and people welcome you to take some time to get to know us. If you have questions, feel free to contact us.
1840-1848... The first territory settlers, the majority of whom were Scotch and Irish Presbyterians, arrive in the Eldridge area. In 1846, Jacob M. Eldridge moved permanently to Davenport from Philadelphia and purchased land north of Davenport from the U.S. Government for $1.25 per acre. Known as the 48ers, immigrants from Schleswig and Holstein, Germany arrived and settle in the Scott County Area.
The Eldridge-North Scott Chamber of Commerce is your voice for a better community. The Chamber is a non-profit professional organization that unites businesses and professionals, creating a unified voice working to improve the business climate and build a better community. The Chamber serves as an advocate for you and your business, working to make our community a great place to live, work and play.
LeClaire, Iowa, a Midwestern historic town located where Interstate 80 crosses the Mississippi River. As the birthplace of Buffalo Bill and known as the town "where the river pilots lived" our city's heritage is fascinating and varied. With our outstanding educational and historical facilities and through community involvement LeClaire continues to nurture the intellectual and spiritual growth of its citizens and visitors.
Today LeClaire is experiencing a rebirth in development, due to our location, excellent schools, churches, civic organizations, attractions and events. For example thousands visit our annual Tug Fest, the ultimate tug of war across the Mississippi. Also the view from the The Mississippi Valley Welcome Center overlooking the river is an unforgettable sight. The Welcome Center and our own Buffalo Bill Museum offer both interesting and educational year round exhibits for visitors and citizens.
Everyday we'll be here so check us out for links to local web sites plus some links to sites that will actually teach you things you can use (Do you know your knots?); and like the city of Le Claire, this web site will grow and improve so feel free to contact us if you have ideas or suggestions.
The City of Clinton might still be a small hamlet named New York if not for a geographical good fortune. Platted as the town of New York in 1836 by its first settler Joseph Bartlett, the community was one of several clustered on the west bank of the Mississippi River. Other communities were Lyons, Ringwood, Chancy and Camanche.
The fledgling settlement had little hope of growth. In 1839, it consisted of a sprinkling of cabins, two stores and a tavern. Lyons - to the north where Elijah Buell had established a ferry - grew at a healthy pace. Lyons was the first milltown with grain and flourmills before being recognized for its lumber potential.
Throughout the 1840’s, New York changed little while communities around it continued to develop. However, in 1855, the Chicago, Iowa and Nebraska Railroad changed its plans and announced it would cross the river at Little Rock Island adjacent to Bartlett's settlement instead of at Lyons.
The Iowa Land Company bought Bartlett's tract and renamed it Clinton, in honor of DeWitt Clinton, governor of New York State. From that date on, Clinton grew, absorbing Ringwood, Chancy and Lyons, and becoming the Clinton County seat as well.
In the early 1800’s, not everyone could afford passage on the steamboats which paddled the Mississippi bringing goods and people to Clinton County. Some came by horse-drawn wagons; others walked the many miles.
Among the walkers in 1835 was Dr. George Peck. When he came upon a high bluff on the west river bank, he thought it ideal for a great city and set about platting it. He named his town after an Indian tribe, but misspelled it. Camanche, with its erroneous “a” was born.
That same year, Martin Dunning arrived from Chicago with a load of general merchandise and became the first businessman to settle in Camanche. Peck’s investment was secured when Albany, Illiniois was platted across the river and a ferry to Camanche was established. Camanche was the first governmental seat when the county was formally organized in 1840.
A bit of Camanche history - its old railroad depot has been fully restored and set on the library grounds as an historic museum.
Between the 1850’s and 1900, the Clinton area was regarded as the sawmill capital of the nation. Huge log rafts were floated down the river from Wisconsin and Minnesota, cut into lumber at Clinton, then shipped to growing communities east, west, north and south via the river and the railroads.
In 1865, the sawmills produced 21.5 million feet of lumber. By 1892, production had risen to more than 195 million board feet.
Lumbermen W.J. Young, Chancy Lamb and David Joyce were counted among the 13 millionaires in Clinton during one period and were among the city's most influential leaders.
These families and others who gained great wealth during the era constructed magnificent mansions along 5th, 6th and 7th Avenues in Clinton. That area became the center of elite social life. Elaborate and festive dinner parties, often catered out of Chicago, were frequent.
Once again, location aided the River City area.
The railroad and the river continue to provide economic diversity in all directions, attracting manufacturing and heavy industry to the community, plus providing sport and recreational activities and commerce. Since the early years of this century, and continuing forward, the Clinton area has prospered as an industrial center, with a steadily growing list of products and services, which are delivered to all parts of the nation and the world.
As of the census of 2000, there were 232 people, 84 households, and 61 families residing in the city. The population density was 710.9 people per square mile (271.4/km²). There were 86 housing units at an average density of 263.5/sq mi (100.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.84% White, and 2.16% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.43% of the population.
There were 84 households out of which 40.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.1% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.2% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.76 and the average family size was 3.21.
In the city the population was spread out with 31.5% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 121.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $43,125, and the median income for a family was $48,523. Males had a median income of $31,875 versus $22,679 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,453. None of the families and 2.6% of the population were living below the poverty line.
As of the census of 2000, there were 421 people, 163 households, and 113 families residing in the city. The population density was 737.0 people per square mile (285.2/km²). There were 174 housing units at an average density of 304.6/sq mi (117.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.86% White, 0.24% African American, 0.48% Asian, and 1.43% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.38% of the population.
There were 163 households out of which 38.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.2% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.1% were non-families. 25.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.14.
In the city the population was spread out with 29.9% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 16.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 87.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $37,500, and the median income for a family was $43,750. Males had a median income of $27,656 versus $17,857 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,312. About 6.1% of families and 8.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.6% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over.
Cascade, Iowa is entered in Dubuque County near the borders of Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. The Cascade Chamber of Commerce invites you to visit a "Place We Call Home".
Cascade Area Businesses are owned and operated by long time Cascade Families. With growth in business, tourism and economical residential housing, Cascade has much to offer. Come see our historic buildings, fine shops, and great eateries.
We are located on Highway 151 between Dubuque, Iowa and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Monticello is a proud community which boasts an outstanding high school, beautiful aquatic center, state-of-the-art Renaissance Center (public library/community center/Veterans Memorial Hall), new Sports Complex and the largest Regional Airport in Northeast Iowa.
Monticello has the 3rd largest county fair in Iowa - "The Great Jones County Fair and Food Fest."
We are proud to have Camp Courageous call Monticello home. Camp Courageous is a renowned year-round recreational and respite care facility.
The first hotel was located on the north corner across from the present Farm Service station and was called "Summit House". It was operated by Mr.Sam Conley and his wife Sarah. Mr. Conley sold the hotel to Andrew Townsend. On July 3, 1895 the building burned. The next hotel was started as a garage by Jack Johnson but never finished. It was complete by Charles Miller and his wife Jewel Conley Miller about 1897. There were 8 large bedrooms upstairs and 6 rooms on the first floor. this building occupied the space where the post office and telephone office are now located
When the Midland Division of the Chicago Northwestern railway approached this region of the country about 1870, Mr.Esau M. Franks owned the land now partially occupied by the town of Onslow. Mr. Franks laid his plans for the founding of a new commercial port on this line. He gave the railway company the right of way for their track through his land, gave them twelve acres of land for a stock yard, furnished post for fencing the yards and also gave them depot ground.
In the more recent past the quasquicentennial celebration was held in the summer of 1996. As part of the celebration the old centennial parade train was restored and entered into many local parades and was featured in the centennial parade. The train was originally built for the 1971 centennial and has become a mascot for the town. The train remains an active participant in many events to this day.
Our most famous citizen was Howard Hall. Howard Hall, a former student and resident of Onslow was the donor of a scholarship to high school graduates of Onslow. It was called the Grace Maple Award, because of his great admiration and respect for his first teacher. From 1952 through 1960, this scholarship was given to the senior of the graduating class with the highest scholastic rank.
After the Onslow school became a part of Midland Community School district in 1960, this scholarship has been administered through the Onslow Presbyterian Church. The above information was drawn directly from the Onslow centennial book.
With a population of 140 residents, fifteen businesses are located in and around Baldwin including a bank, winery, independent telephone company, three eating establishments, two repair shops, convenience store, gasoline stations, construction and three food and beverage processing businesses. Baldwin has a well-maintained City Park with playground and outdoor sports complex with ball field and volleyball courts. The C.A. Harding Center and facilities are used by the community for social gatherings, City council meetings, senior citizen meetings, and the summer library program.
Active community organizations in Baldwin include the co-ed 4-H Club and the Baldwin Federated Women's Club, who raise funds for City projects including the Harding Community Center.
Baldwin is located on Highway 64 -- the Grant wood Scenic Byway -- nine miles West of Maquoketa. There are several business site development opportunities available in downtown Baldwin.
The history of Marion, Iowa began in the first legislative assembly of Iowa Territory. On January 15, 1839, the County of Linn was organized, the government surveys having been partially completed in preparation for the sale of the land. Three commissioners were selected to "locate the seat of justice in said county," having in mind the convenience and 'healthfullness' of the location. The site of the present town of Marion was their choice, it being on high ground, with a gentle slope leading to an adjacent water-power site on Indian Creek. The first cabin had been erected on the site that became Marion by Albert K. Farnsworth in 1838.
The original town survey was completed in November, 1839. The name "Marion" was a tribute to General Marion, whose biography was a popular feature of early American literature. In February, 1840, a new local Board of Commissioners entered the townsite at the Dubuque land office. While the numerous small merchants, professional people, tradesman and others were establishing permanent homes, a series of lot auctions were held to finance the original county buildings.
The year of 1840 saw the building of a two-story log tavern by Luman M. Strong and a water-powered sawmill on Indian Creek by Hiram Beales. Thompson and Woodbridge were the proprietors of the first store (at 11th St. and 10th Ave.). The leading pioneer merchant, Addison Daniels, built the second store on 10th Street. The year also heralded Thomas Hare as the first blacksmith, the first frame building, the "American House," the first "Temperance Hotel built by O.S. Hall, and the temporary log court building, opposite the southwest corner of the park.
The permanent brick county court building was completed in 1844 to serve a county population of 2,700. It was remodeled in 1877 and an office building was added. On November 6, 1919, the county seat was transferred to neighboring Cedar Rapids, which by then had the necessary voting strength to approve the action. The focal point for recruiting volunteers in the Civil War was the courthouse. Nine full companies were enlisted and Linn County was named the most patriotic county in Iowa.
Some of the teachers in the early private schools are well-remembered. Miss Legare and Isbell Small, were ladies well-equipped in music, the languages and art. Of these, Miss Small, a graduate of Mt. Holyoke College, organized the "Young Ladies' Literary Society" in 1867. A few years later, this group became known as the "O.O.P. Club," the oldest women's study club in Iowa.
Another well-known educational facility in Marion was St. Berchman's Seminary, established in 1905 by the Sisters of Mercy as a boarding school for small boys. The academy consisted of five buildings spread over 23 acres. Today, the main building still stands at First Avenue and 15th Street and is in use as an apartment building.
The Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad played an important part in the history of Marion. The city is situated on the main line between Chicago and Omaha, and until 1957 served as a division point, which meant that sizeable yards, a roundhouse and machine shop were located in Marion. The railroad was the largest employer in Marion from World War I until the Depression. At the peak of rail travel, approximately 50 passenger trains stopped in Marion daily, the last of which was the famous Union Pacific "Western Cities" that arrived in Marion April 30, 1971, on the eve of Amtrak.
Cedar Rapids is a vibrant city, encompassing unique attractions, exciting events, specialty shopping, a dynamic arts scene, and a cosmopolitan nightlife.
Whether you're a night owl, an art lover, a concert enthusiast, an avid shopper, a sports fan, or looking for family-friendly events - the Cedar Rapids area offers everything you need for a great getaway.
Want to learn more about what Cedar Rapids has to offer? Check out:
- Attractions for virtually any interest or age group
- Annual events that everyone will want to take part in
- Dining and nightlife options that rival cities like Chicago and Minneapolis
- First rate accommodations that offer class, comfort, and affordable prices
- Museums, galleries, and performances that take your breath away
Thinking of Moving to Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids and Iowa City have received the highest rating possible for quality of life from Expansion Management.
According to Outlook Magazine, Cedar Rapids ranks 2nd in the nation for overall quality of life, including:
#1 safest place to live
#2 favorable drive times
Both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City are in the top 12 cities in the U.S. for places to locate a company according to Expansion Magazine.
#6 Cedar Rapids
#11 Iowa City
Iowa is ranked the nation's 3rd most livable state based on 43 different factors including categories such as median household income, crime rate, sunny days, and infant mortality rate. (Morgan Quitno, 2006.) |
