Many people don’t realize how very close we, Iowans, came to never having this new community called Iowa City. It was in January 1839 – in Burlington – where one man’s vote made all the difference. Governor Lucas had just brought forth his controversial idea of creating a whole new capital city – one that would be centrally-located in Johnson County. Many legislators hated the idea – primarily those who preferred a southern location, or selfishly wanted the new capital in their own county! After much debate, it all came down to a single vote, with Iowa City winning – 13 yea – 12 nay. So, here’s a tip of the old hat to Laurel Summers of Parkhurst, Iowa – Territorial Representative from Scott County – for casting that one vote that ended the tie – making Iowa City the new capital city of Iowa! Without your vote, Mr. Summers, we’d all still be sitting in Burlington!

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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