Burlington — Population: 26,839
Burlington, Iowa's first territorial capital, is situated on mid-America's Great River Road and the west bank of the mighty Mississippi River. Downtown Burlington is unique among Mississippi River business districts in many ways, including its scenic position within a virtual amphitheater of hills on three sides and a spectacular new bridge on the fourth. Views from all directions are breathtaking and unforgettable. While evidencing extraordinary 19th-century charm, downtown Burlington has numerous, must-see historic sites.
Watch top Olympic-style cyclists race up century-old Snake Alley at the annual Criterium, enjoy the area's culture at the annual Heritage Days, and wander along the riverfront during the annual Steamboat Days in downtown Burlington. The rebirth of downtown has been a product of hard work, dedication and enthusiasm by local residents and Downtown Partners, Inc., whose forerunner was Main Street Burlington. Visit Burlington!
Downtown Partners, Inc.
610 N. Fourth St., Suite 200
Burlington, IA 52601
Phone 319-752-6365
Fax 319754-6454
www.growburlington.com
Town History
Burlington has the unique distinction of being the second territorial capital of the
Wisconsin Territory and Iowa's first. In 1833, after the Black Hawk Treaty was signed, the
Burlington area opened for permanent settlement on the west bank of the Mississippi River
and was granted capital status in 1837.
Before and after the Civil War, streams of covered wagons and travelers who were
heading west passed through Burlington, which was known as a "Gateway to the
West," surpassed only by St. Louis. Later, the city became a permanent hub of
railroad activity and, by 1885, had a population of 23,400. In 1994, Burlington confirmed
its status as a present day transportation link with the completion of the $60 million,
five-lane Great River Bridge, which connects Iowa to Illinois over the Mississippi River.
Landmarks and Unique Local Features
- Snake Alley - Listed in Ripley's "Believe It or Not" as the
most crooked street in the world, this unique "alley" was constructed in 1894 on Sixth
Street, between Washington and Columbia, over one century ago from locally fired blue-clay
bricks and tooled, curved limestone curbing.
- Burlington Public Library - The oldest public library in Iowa, this
1896 red sandstone structure built in eclectic style, showing influences from Italian
Villa, Renaissance Revival and Georgian Revival.
- Arts for Living Center - Designed by local architect Charles A. Dunham,
this 1868 Romanesque Revival limestone structure is an adaptive reuse of St. Paul German
Methodist Episcopal Church.
- Big Muddy's Restaurant and Freight House - Adaptive reuse of the 1898
Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railroad freight house, located on the Mississippi
River.
- Hedge Building - Designed by local architect Charles A. Dunham, this
elegant High Victorian business block with a stone facade was constructed in 1881.
- Hotel Burlington - This nine-story brick building of poured concrete
over steel construction was built in 1911 and has been transformed into The Burlington
Apartments.
- First Congregational Church - Designed by local architect Charles A.
Dunham, this late Medieval English Gothic-style church was constructed between 1867 and
1870.
Annual Events
- May - Snake Alley Criterium Bicycle Races - Olympic-style bicycle racing convenes on Memorial Day weekend.
- June - Burlington Steamboat Days - Live music, fireworks, a parade, a carnival and food galore can be found along Burlington's riverfront during this week-long festival, which attracts more than 100,000 annually.
- June (Father's Day) - Snake Alley Art Fair - Fine-arts fair featuring entertainment, food, demonstrations and sales by over 100 artists on the "crookedest street in the world."
- July - Dragon Boat Festival - Over 70 teams of 20 members each from around the world compete in this American Dragon Boat Association sanctioned event that is held at Geode State Park.
- September - Heritage Days - This event-filled weekend pays tribute to the city's rich multi-ethnic heritage. Food, music, historical demonstrations and children's events are all part of the fun.
- November - About 75 entries promenade through downtown during the Lighted Holiday Parade on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
- Year Round - The newly-remodeled, 2,311-seat Memorial Auditorium has a full slate of events from Broadway plays to popular musicians. Find more information at www.growburlington.com.
Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property
For more information about available downtown commercial property and loan and grant programs for downtown Burlington businesses and property owners, contact Downtown Partners, Inc. at 319/752-0015, or visit www.growburlington.com.
Local Links
City of Burlington - www.burlingtoniowa.org
Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau -www.growburlington.com
Burlington/West Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce - www.growburlington.com
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