In 1835, a 27-year old Tennessee lieutenant traveled up and down the Des Moines River valley with a Regiment of U.S. Dragoons. Their assignment was to map out this uncharted prairie the Sauk and Fox tribes called kiowa – this is the place. The expedition was a success, but it wasn’t until Albert M. Lea – that soldier from Knoxville – published his notes in book form (1836) when Americans united around the name – Iowa – when describing this beautiful land west of the Mississippi River. His book also included a large hand-drawn map, neatly folded and stored in the back of the book, and it was this map that gave early settlers a clearer picture of the opportunity that awaited them in this land Lea called The Iowa District.

CHECK OUT THE COMPLETE BLOG SERIES – Iowa City’s Top 50 Influencers – Part I

Back in 1979 – The Iowa City Press Citizen ran a special seven-page section called Chronology 1841/1979 and it featured Iowa City’s famed historian – Irving Weber – and his look at 25 People Who Left Their Stamp On Iowa City. So, here we are – forty-four years later – and now, I’m offering these two posts – dedicated to those who have greatly influenced our city over the first 100 years or so. This page features the First 25, and as you can see, each of the 25 names has a brief overview with a link(s) to read more, if you like. Enjoy!

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