In 1841, the new capitol building in Iowa City was far from completion, but the Iowa Territorial Legislature in Burlington told the good people of Johnson County that they’d be willing to meet in Iowa City in December if there would be free meeting space available. In all honesty, those legislators who made this disingenuous offer, actually hated the idea of moving Iowa’s Territorial capital to Johnson County, and were looking for any excuse to show that Iowa City was just a joke. So, in the spring of 1841, they threw out this invitation, believing nothing would come of it! But wait! To the rescue was Iowa City’s Walter Butler – a good man with a generous heart, and some amazing carpentry and construction skills! In just a few months, Butler put together a large meeting hall, offered it to the Territory for free, and, miraculously, Iowa City hosted its first Territorial Legislative Assembly in December of 1841!

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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