This stately building that was once the Iowa State House, sitting on Capitol Square, is now The Old Stone Capitol located on the University of Iowa’s Pentacrest. Built in 1840-1841, Old Cap has seen its share of ups and downs. It was rehabilitated in the 1920’s, restored in the 1970’s, and after the fire of 2001, was renewed and refreshed, now serving Iowans as The Old Capitol Museum.
In 1857, a majority of Iowa politicians decided to trot off to Des Moines, leaving their state house in Iowa City in the competent hands of educators. As one Iowa City newspaper columnist quipped at the time . . .
Let Des Moines have the politicians . . . we’ll take the teachers!
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