Built along the bluffs of the Mississippi River, Dubuque delights in its destinction of being Iowa's oldest city. Imparting his name on the area, French-Canadian fur trader Julien Dubuque first arrived in 1785. Successful mining operations kept Julien Dubuque busy until his death in 1810. After the Black Hawk Purchase Treaty, this land just west of the Mississippi was opened for American settlement, securing a town charter in 1837.
     Dubuque has long been a center of cultural and historic significance; and with a redeveloped riverfront, the town enjoys its rebirth. The America's River Project, receiving state and local funds, encompassed 90 acres of riverfront property. The project transformed sections of underutilized industrial property into the Mississippi Riverwalk, the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, the Grand River Center and the Grand Harbor Resort. Recently named the most livable city, an Iowa Great Place, and securing one of the spots among the 100 best communities for young people, city visitors will agree that downtown Dubuque is alive and well.
     Pictured here is Main Street’s town clock, a favorite among city residents. Listed on the National Register, the town clock has stood over the city since 1864. The first clock proved too heavy for the building it was mounted on; bring about a collapse in 1872. Residents rallied and replaced the clock the following year. Finally mounted on a freestanding base in 1971 and topped it off with a new cupola, the clock stands 108 feet over the plaza and serves as centerpiece at special events.