May 10, 1869.

Posted on May 10, 2026 by Our Iowa Heritage

**The Great American Project – it is finished!** Read more at our website.

May 10, 1869 – America’s Transcontinental Railroad is now complete with the driving of the golden spike at Promontory Point, Utah.

At Promontory Summit in Utah Territory, the Jupiter of the Central Pacific Railroad, heading east from Sacramento, met with Engine No. 119 of the Union Pacific Railroad, coming west from Omaha.

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May 9, 1880.

Posted on May 9, 2026 by Our Iowa Heritage

**Iowa City’s Good Doctor – Henry Murray.** Read more at our website.

May 9, 1880 – One of Johnson County’s early pioneers and Iowa City’s first physician – Dr. Henry Murray – dies, at age 64.

While there were a handful of other pioneers who preceded him in assisting those with minor medical issues, it was the good Irishman – Dr. Henry Murray – arriving here in the spring of 1839 – who became Johnson County’s first resident physician. Yet, not only was Murray an early pioneer, he and his family invested in our city through the turn-of-the-century, with the good doctor faithfully practicing his profession for nearly 40 years!

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May 8, 1975.

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Our Iowa Heritage

***Lolly Parker Egger’s Library Legacy.*** Read more at our website.

May 8, 1975 – The Iowa City Press-Citizen reports that an electronic security system will be installed in the Public Library. Just one of the many improvements initiated by the new director, Lolly Eggers.

In 1969, Lolly Parker Eggers came on staff at the Iowa City Public Library. Over the next twenty-five years, this lion-hearted librarian transitioned the organization from being a simple small-town library to becoming one of the most widely-respected media centers around the country. A true mover-n-shaker, Lolly Parker Eggers led the way for women across Johnson County.

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