Officially recognized as the city of Dubuque in 1833, the land had been settled by the Mesquakie Indians for some time. Julien Dubuque eventually settled there in 1788 for the sole purpose of fur trading with the Mesquakie. Once there however, he found there was much to be gained from the numerous lead mines occupying the Mesquakie’s land. He mined until his death in 1810. His grave is a wonderful limestone monument, erected in 1897, that overlooks the Mississippi River.

The Black Hawk war between the Mesquakie, Fox, and Sauk tribes would eventually lead to a peace treaty in which the Mesquakie gave up any rights they had to their land. Thus, the city of Dubuque was born.

Dubuque has undergone many transformations in the 171 years since its settlement. Many of the wonderful brick homes and businesses are no more, as they were torn down for some improvement along the way. However, with the renewed interest in saving our history, property owners are choosing to renovate and rehabilitate the most beautiful reminders of our past.

Included on the pages within this website are postcards that will show you what Dubuque looked like when times were simpler. A time when one could leave the front door unlocked and a neighbor was more than just someone who lived next door. Try to imagine what people thought of what was to come for their little town and wonder if they would be happy with what it has become.

Please sign my Guestbook before you leave.