Julien Dubuque founded Dubuque Iowa
in 1780. He had originally come to trade with the Native American
Tribe that inhabited the area. However, when he discovered several
lead mines in the area, he worked with the Mesquakie Tribe for the
rights to the mines. He maintained a good relationship with tribe
until his death in 1810, at which time the tribe buried this body
on a bluff that overlooks the Mississippi River. The tribe then
reclaimed the rights to the mine and in 1822 allowed the federal
government to send settlers to mine for lead. Dubuque was deeded
over to the United State Federal Government as part of a war treaty
in 1833 and officially became a city at that time.
Today Dubuque offers approximately 18 square miles
of city and has more than 62, 000 happy people living within the
city limits, according to the latest census
report. City officials call their city "The Masterpiece on
the Mississippi."
Because of its location along the Mississippi River,
Dubuque has also become a vacation destination. Visitors will find
that there are many lodging locations to choose from; some are found
along the river while others are closer to the downtown area. Once
the decision of which hotel
or motel
to stay with has been made, visitors will have to begin the difficult
task of planning their itinerary. Dubuque offers everything from
casinos aboard old-fashioned riverboats to the Fenelon Place Elevator,
which is the shortest, steepest railway system in America. Both
offer spectacular views of Dubuque and the surrounding area. Dinner
reservations can be made at any number of magical restaurants
in the city. Visitors will find everything from dinner theaters
to fast food to a Victorian home tour that includes a five-course
meal. When dinner is done, nights can be filled with visits to local
pubs and wineries or by attending a symphony or a play at a local
theater.
