Dubuque County, Iowa

Allen House Andrew-Ryan House Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, Church and Rectory Bell, John, Block Bishop's Block Carnegie-Stout Public Library Cathedral Historic District Cathedral Historic District (Boundary Increase) Concord Congregational Cemetery Cottage Hill Methodist-Episcopal Cemetery Diamond Jo Boat Store and Office Dubuque Casket Company Dubuque City Hall Dubuque County Courthouse Dubuque County Jail Dubuque Freight House Dubuque Millworking Historic District Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque YMCA Building Dubuque, Julien, Monument Dunleith and Dubuque Bridge Eagle Point Park Historic District Epworth School Fenelon Place Elevator Fenelon Place Residential Historic District Four Mounds Estate Historic District Garland House German Bank Grand Opera House Haberkorn House and Farmstead Ham, Mathias, House Hancock, Charles T., House Holland, Ora, House Hollenfelz House Holy Ghost Catholic Historic District Interstate Power Company Building Jackson Park Historic District Julien Dubuque Bridge Kelley House Kidder, Zephaniah, House Langworthy Historic District Langworthy House Lincoln School Lock and Dam No. 11 Historic District Loetscher, T. Ben, House Loras College Historic District McMahon House Memorial Building Mount Saint Bernard Seminary and Barn Old Chapel Hall Old Main Historic District Old Main Street Historic District (Boundary Increase and Additional Documentation) Orpheum Theatre and Site Rath, Johann Christian Frederick, House Redstone Rogers, George W. Company Shot Tower Roshek Brothers Department Store Round Barn, Dubuque Township Sacred Heart School Sauser-Lane House Schroeder-Klein Grocery Company Warehouse Schrup, John and Marie (Palen) Farmstead Historic District Security Building Seminary Hill Residential Historic District Sherrill Mount House St. Boniface of New Vienna Historic District St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal Church St. Mary's Catholic Church Historic District Thedinga, J. H., House Town Clock Building Upper Central Avenue Commercial Historic District Upper Iowa Street Historic District Upper Main Street Historic District Upper Main Street Historic District (Boundary Increase) Washington Mill Bridge Washington Park Washington Residential Historic District Washington Street and East 22nd Street Historic District West Eleventh Street Historic District Western Hotel WILLIAM M. BLACK (dredge) Ziepprecht Block

Dubuque County, located in the state of Iowa, has a rich and vibrant history that spans back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Meskwaki and Sauk people, who relied on the lands for hunting, fishing, and agriculture. European settlement of the region began in the late 17th century, with French fur traders visiting the area along the Mississippi River.

The city of Dubuque, after which the county is named, was established by Julien Dubuque, a French-Canadian fur trader, in the early 19th century. Dubuque gained permission from the Meskwaki chief to mine lead in the area, which sparked the first major economic activity in the county. The lead mines brought a significant number of settlers, mostly from Europe, who sought opportunities for work and prosperity.

During the mid-19th century, Dubuque County experienced rapid growth and development. The construction of the first railroad in 1855 connected Dubuque to the expanding western frontier, facilitating trade and transportation in the region. The county became a center for manufacturing and commerce, with industries such as milling, brewing, and boatbuilding thriving.

As the 20th century approached, Dubuque County faced new challenges and opportunities. The decline of the lead mining industry led to a shift in the county's economic focus. Manufacturing and agriculture became the backbone of the local economy, with notable industries such as farming, meatpacking, and cereal production driving growth. Today, Dubuque County continues to evolve and adapt, combining its rich history with modern advancements in industries such as technology, healthcare, and education to shape its future.
Brief timeline of the history of Dubuque County, Iowa:

  • 1673: First recorded European explorers, French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet, explore the area
  • 1788: Julian Dubuque, a French-Canadian, settles in the area and establishes a lead mining operation
  • 1810: Julian Dubuque dies and the lead mining area becomes known as Dubuque's Mines
  • 1833: The "Town of Dubuque" is officially established
  • 1834: Dubuque becomes the first chartered city in Iowa
  • 1855: The Illinois Central Railroad reaches Dubuque, enhancing the city's transportation and economic opportunities
  • 1862: The Civil War begins, and Dubuque County contributes soldiers to the Union cause
  • 1872: The first railroad bridge, known as the Dubuque Rail Bridge, is constructed across the Mississippi River
  • 1882: A major fire destroys a significant portion of downtown Dubuque
  • 1901: Julien Dubuque's gravesite becomes a state park
  • 1982: The "Fenelon Place Elevator," a historic cable car, is designated a National Historic Landmark
  • 2010: Dubuque celebrates its 175th anniversary since official establishment

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Dubuque County, Iowa.