Black Hawk County, Iowa
Bennington No. 4
Black Hawk County Soldiers Memorial Hall
Black Hawk Hotel
Campbell Baking Company
Cedar Falls Downtown Historic District
Cedar Falls Ice House
Cedar Falls Independent Order of Odd Fellows
Cedar Falls Post Office
Chapple and Young Block
Chicago, Great Western Railroad-Waterloo Freight Depot
Cotton Theater
Dunkerton Bridge
Dunsmore House
Emerson School
Fire Station No. 2
Fowler Company Building, The
Gingrich, Clement B., House
Grace Methodist Episcopal Church
Highland Historic District
Hotel President
Hotel Russell-Lamson
La Porte City Station
Lange, August H. J. and Justena, Farmstead Historic District
LaPorte City Town Hall and Fire Station
Marsh-Place Building
Master Service Station
McQuilken, John N. and Mary, House
Newell, James, Barn
Overland Waterloo Company Building
Rath Packing Company Administration Building
Roosevelt Elementary School
Round Barn, Washington Township
Rownd, C. A., Round Barn
Russell, Rensselaer, House
Snowden House
Syndicate Block
Walnut Street Baptist Church
Walnut Street Historic District
Wasson, Dr. Jesse, Building
Waterfield, William, House
Waterloo East Commercial Historic District
Waterloo Masonic Temple
Waterloo Public Library (West Branch)
Waterloo Public Library-East Side Branch
Waterloo West Commercial Historic District
Weis, Henry, House
Whittier School
Wild Historic District
Wild, Daniel and Margaret, House
YMCA Building
The area officially became Black Hawk County in 1843, named after the renowned Sauk leader. The county was initially settled by European immigrants, primarily from Germany and Ireland. The development of railways in the mid-19th century played a significant role in the county's growth, enabling the transportation of goods and people.
Black Hawk County experienced rapid industrialization during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The establishment of diverse industries, including meat packing, brewing, and manufacturing, contributed to the county's economic prosperity. Waterloo, the county seat, emerged as a major industrial center, attracting workers from various backgrounds.
The county has faced both triumphs and challenges throughout its history. It has witnessed significant milestones, such as the establishment of educational institutions, including the University of Northern Iowa. However, like many regions across the United States, Black Hawk County also faced social and economic struggles, particularly during the Great Depression and subsequent recessions. Today, the county continues to evolve and thrive, offering a vibrant community with a blend of rich history and modern amenities.
Brief timeline of the history of Black Hawk County, Iowa:
- 1836: Black Hawk County is established.
- 1839: Waterloo, the county seat, is platted.
- 1854: The first courthouse is built in Waterloo.
- 1858: The first railroad reaches Black Hawk County.
- 1868: The Cedar Valley Seminary opens in Waterloo.
- 1869: The City of Cedar Falls is incorporated.
- 1876: The Black Hawk County Courthouse is constructed.
- 1900: The Waterloo High School is established.
- 1920: The Black Hawk County Home for the Aged is established.
- 1947: The University of Northern Iowa (then named Iowa State Teachers College) is established in Cedar Falls.
- 1965: The Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center is built in Waterloo.
- 1987: The Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo opens its doors.
- 1991: The Grout Museum District is established in Waterloo.
- 2008: The Cedar Valley SportsPlex is opened in Waterloo.
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Black Hawk County, Iowa.