Burlington, West Burlington Iowa 2009 Community Guide

The Greater Burlington Area Explored in 1673 by Pere Jaques Marquette and Louis Joliet, the land that is now Des Moines County changed hands from France to Spain to France, and then to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase. After Lt. Zebulon Pike’s expedition landed at what is now Crapo Park in 1805, it was part of several territories - Louisiana, Indiana, Missouri and Michigan. Remaining off-limits to Pioneer settlement until 1833, when the Black Hawk War ended. In 1834, residents named the hamlet “Burlington” after trader John Gray’s Vermont hometown. Congress chartered this new city in 1836 as the seat of one of two counties in the Iowa District of the newly created Wisconsin Territory. The Iowa Territory was created July 4, 1838, and retained Burlington as its capital. The population was about 1,200, with many brick homes, a dozen shops, and two weekly newspapers. The legislature first rented the Methodist Meeting House (later nicknamed “Old Zion”) on November 12, 1838, eventually moving to Iowa City in December 1841. Burlington remained a small trading hub and stopover for westbound pioneers, growing slowly until 1868, when the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad completed the bridge that is still in use across the Mississippi River. The MacArthur Bridge was completed across the Mississippi River in 1917, allowing automobile traffic. Phelps House Museum 512 Columbia St, Burlington (319) 753-5880, www.dmchs.org Open May – October on weekends from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Located at the top of Snake Alley, this elegant Victorian house was built in 1851 with an expansion doubling its size in1870. The nine rooms feature furnishings dating from 1774. Don’t miss the “Medical Memories” display, in honor of the years this historic building housed Burlington’s first Protestant hospital. Des Moines County Historical Society Museums Des Moines County Heritage Center 501 N Fourth St, Burlington (319) 752-0419, www.dmchs.org Open year around in afternoons The new Des Moines County Heritage Center will be opening its doors starting in February 2009. Watch as the museum comes to life starting with the Grand Opening on February 21st. Visit the Heritage Center and browse the galleries to discover the history and creative spirit that exemplify Des Moines County. Step back in time in the 19th Century Gallery which will include the “Roads, Rails, and River” exhibit, Flint River diorama, furniture manufacturing, and an operating newspaper hand press. Honor the men and women of Des Moines County who have served their country in the Military Gallery, and look at how the installation of the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant and technological innovations changed life in the county in the 20th Century Gallery. Keep the kids entertained for hours learning about pioneer life in the Catfish Corners Children’s Area. Relive the glamour and talents of local musicians in the Bart Howard Room. Bart Howard was a Burlington Native and famous composer of “Fly Me to the Moon.” A wide range of memoribila is on display. Hawkeye Log Cabin, Crapo Park 2900 S Main St, Burlington www.dmchs.com Open May-September on weekends from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. This cabin is located in Crapo Park on the bluff where Lt. Zebulon Pike raised the first American Flag on what would become Iowa soil. This unique museum recalls the settlement era with pioneer furniture and tools. www.growburlington.com 1 http://www.dmchs.org http://www.dmchs.com http://www.dmchs.org http://www.growburlington.com

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Burlington, West Burlington Iowa 2009 Community Guide Contents Welcome Attractions Events Shopping Places to Dine Places to Stay Maps Parks & Recreation Arts, Culture & History Worship Business & Industry Testimonial Housing Education Healthcare Other Services Advertisers Index

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