In 1843, Walter Terrell built a dam and a three-story grist (flour) mill on the Iowa River just north of Iowa City – what is today, directly in front of the Mayflower Apartments. Settlers from the surrounding area came to Terrell’s Mill to grind corn, oats, rye, and wheat, and it prospered for nearly forty years. Even after The Mill closed (1881) – due to excess flooding – this section of the Iowa River became the city’s playground – which included the infamous Island. About 75 yards long and 25 yards wide, with a heavy growth of trees, The Island was a popular spot for boating, canoeing, swimming and picnicking, and it is said to be the place where “many a lover’s troth was pledged there.” By 1906, Iowa City opened a new city park directly across from the now-abandoned Terrell’s Mill.

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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