Maquoketa () is a city in Jackson County,

Iowa Iowa ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the upper Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States. It borders the Mississippi River to the east and the Missouri River and Big Sioux River to the west; Wisconsin to the northeast, Ill ...

United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...

. Located on the Maquoketa River, it is the

county seat A county seat is an administrative center, seat of government, or capital city of a county or parish (administrative division), civil parish. The term is in use in five countries: Canada, China, Hungary, Romania, and the United States. An equiva ...

of Jackson County. U.S. Route 61 adjoins the city, which therefore hosts traffic between

Dubuque Dubuque (, ) is a city in Dubuque County, Iowa, United States, and its county seat. The population was 59,667 at the 2020 United States census. The city lies along the Mississippi River at the junction of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, a region ...

and the

Quad Cities The Quad Cities is a region of five cities (originally Tri-Cities, later four, see #History, History) in the U.S. states of Iowa and Illinois: Davenport, Iowa, Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, Bettendorf (the fifth to be included) in southeaster ...

. Iowa Highways 62 and 64 also pass through the city. Maquoketa Caves State Park is located a few miles northwest of Maquoketa. The population was 6,128 at the time of the 2020 census.

History

John E. Goodenow, the inaugural settler in the region, arrived in what is now recognized as Maquoketa in 1838. He established his residence on the present-day southeast corner of Main and Platt streets, erecting a cabin in that vicinity. By 1840, Zalmon Livermore had acquired the quarter section on the northeast corner of this intersection, while Alonzo Spaulding claimed the northwest corner, and John Shaw occupied the southwest corner. The center of today's business district was originally the epicenter of this early settlement, known at the time as Springfield. The town's growth was propelled by two key factors: its strategic location at the intersection of the Davenport-to-Dubuque mail and stage route, as well as its proximity to the path used by pioneers traveling from Chicago to the west. Additionally, the abundance of water in the area facilitated the development of industries along the North and South Forks of the Maquoketa River.https://www.maquoketaia.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif8316/f/uploads/maquoketa_commercial_hd_snrc.pdf Around 1840, the mail route between Davenport and Dubuque was established through Springfield, located on what is now Main Street in Maquoketa. Consequently, the post office moved to Springfield, with John Goodenow appointed as postmaster. In 1844, due to multiple towns named Springfield in the area, the town was renamed Maquoketa, after the Maquoketa River. The river's name derives from ''Maquaw-Autaw'', which means "Bear River" in

Meskwaki The Meskwaki (sometimes spelled Mesquaki), also known by the European exonyms Fox Indians or the Fox, are a Native American people. They have been closely linked to the Sauk people of the same language family. In the Meskwaki language, th ...

. As other nearby towns declined, Maquoketa emerged as the primary center of commerce. In 1843, early settlers began dividing their land into lots informally, resulting in the irregular lot sizes seen in the modern business district. With the increasing settlement and the importance of the mail route, demand for lodging grew. In 1849, John Goodenow built the Goodenow House, the town's first hotel, near Main and Platt streets, drawing visitors and showcasing Maquoketa's potential for growth. The Davenport and St. Paul Railroad was extended to Maquoketa in 1870 prompting growth. The county seat was transferred from

Andrew Andrew is the English form of the given name, common in many countries. The word is derived from the , ''Andreas'', itself related to ''aner/andros'', "man" (as opposed to "woman"), thus meaning "manly" and, as consequence, "brave", "strong", "c ...

to Maquoketa in 1873. Maquoketa experienced a period of economic growth during the late 19th century, primarily due to its location near valuable natural resources such as timber, limestone, and fertile farmland. As the town prospered, wealthy residents sought to display their affluence through the construction of grand homes many of which are still extant within the community. The onset of the First World War in 1917 significantly affected the commercial district. Numerous businesses experienced the loss of young male employees, either through voluntary enlistment or compulsory military service. Upon the war's conclusion in 1918, returning soldiers were ceremoniously welcomed home with parades along Main Street. Following the stock market crash of 1929, the Great Depression brought a halt to construction activity in the commercial district. The American Savings Bank closed its doors, leading to the renovation of its building at 100 S. Main Street in 1935. The revamped structure housed a National Tea Company grocery store on the ground floor and served as meeting space for the American Legion above. This renovation, which included the removal of classical pilasters and the installation of modern storefront materials, signaled a shift in the district's architectural landscape. Despite these changes, Maquoketa experienced relatively moderate economic effects compared to other regions, likely due to its strategic location at the intersection of two commercial highways. After World War II, Maquoketa, Iowa experienced a surge in residential construction, particularly on the west side of town. Many of these homes were constructed on old farmland, This rapid suburbanization not only met the housing needs of the time but also contributed to the town's post-war growth and prosperity. In 1950, Maquoketa, Iowa, reached a significant milestone in its healthcare infrastructure by constructing its first public hospital. Prior to this development, the town had relied on a patchwork of privately-run small hospitals to meet the healthcare needs of its residents. These small hospitals, while providing essential services, often faced limitations in terms of capacity, resources, and accessibility. Maquoketa experienced another pivotal moment with the relocation of the Clinton Machine Company to the city in 1950. Don Thomas spearheaded this move, establishing the company on a 12-acre plot within Maquoketa, strategically leveraging a rail spur for transportation. Clinton Engines, a division of the company, became a powerhouse, producing approximately 18 million small engines and ranking as the 10th largest employer in Iowa. In the 1960s, Maquoketa, Iowa witnessed the emergence of a new commercial district. Main Street, formerly part of US Highway 61, underwent a significant transformation with the planning and construction of a four-lane highway bypass starting in the late 1960s. As the bypass project progressed, many businesses along Main Street made plans to relocate to the west side of town in anticipation of increased automobile traffic from the highway. Following the opening of the Highway 61 bypass in 1967, there was a notable shift in commercial activity away from Main Street towards the new commercial district. Despite this disinvestment in the Main Street area, property owners remained committed to maintaining the integrity of the existing buildings, ensuring they remained in good repair. During the 1980s, many towns in Jackson County, Iowa, faced significant challenges, particularly due to the farm crisis that devastated rural communities across the region. While the county as a whole experienced population declines and economic hardships, Maquoketa saw only minor decreases in its population. Nevertheless, the farm crisis did have negative repercussions for Maquoketa, impacting local agricultural businesses and contributing to a sense of economic uncertainty within the community. In 1999 the town was bypassed by the now four lane Highway Sixty-One, further diverting traffic away from the downtown area. This highway bypass had detrimental effects on Maquoketa's economy, as it resulted in decreased traffic flow through the town center, affecting local businesses that relied on passing trade. Additionally, the bypass diminished Maquoketa's visibility and accessibility, further exacerbating economic challenges for the community. Despite these setbacks, Maquoketa persisted in its efforts to adapt and evolve, seeking new avenues for economic growth and community development in the face of adversity. The early 2000s posed significant economic challenges for Maquoketa, Iowa, exacerbating the struggles of its downtown district. Already grappling with vacant storefronts and declining economic activity, the town faced further hardship during this period including the closure of the Clinton Engines Company. However, the most devastating blow came on January 19, 2008, when a large portion of the downtown area, already struggling, succumbed to a devastating fire. While tragic, this event served as a catalyst for change, sparking renewed efforts to revitalize the downtown district and enhance the overall community. Beginning in the 2010s, Maquoketa experienced a wave of revitalization, marked by the attraction of new businesses, significant infrastructure investments, and a renewed focus on preserving its historic downtown district. One notable development was the construction of a new hospital in 2019, enhancing healthcare services for residents. Additionally, Maquoketa embarked on ambitious housing initiatives, including the construction of new housing developments to meet the growing demand for residential properties.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the

census A census (from Latin ''censere'', 'to assess') is the procedure of systematically acquiring, recording, and calculating population information about the members of a given Statistical population, population, usually displayed in the form of stati ...

of 2020, there were 6,128 people, 2,674 households, and 1,536 families residing in the city. The

population density Population density (in agriculture: Standing stock (disambiguation), standing stock or plant density) is a measurement of population per unit land area. It is mostly applied to humans, but sometimes to other living organisms too. It is a key geog ...

was 1,356.6 inhabitants per square mile (523.8/km²). There were 2,888 housing units at an average density of 639.3 per square mile (246.8/km²). The

racial Race is a categorization of humans based on shared physical or social qualities into groups generally viewed as distinct within a given society. The term came into common usage during the 16th century, when it was used to refer to groups of va ...

makeup of the city was 90.6%

White White is the lightest color and is achromatic (having no chroma). It is the color of objects such as snow, chalk, and milk, and is the opposite of black. White objects fully (or almost fully) reflect and scatter all the visible wa ...

, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 3.0%

Pacific Islander Pacific Islanders, Pasifika, Pasefika, Pacificans, or rarely Pacificers are the peoples of the list of islands in the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Islands. As an ethnic group, ethnic/race (human categorization), racial term, it is used to describe th ...

, 0.6% from other races and 3.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino persons of any race comprised 1.7% of the population. Of the 2,674 households, 25.8% of which had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.4% were

married couples Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, is a culturally and often legally recognised union between people called spouses. It establishes rights and obligations between them, as well as between them and their children (if any), and b ...

living together, 8.2% were cohabitating couples, 31.5% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present and 19.9% had a male householder with no spouse or partner present. 42.6% of all households were non-families. 37.4% of all households were made up of individuals, 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years old or older. The median age in the city was 41.3 years. 25.2% of the residents were under the age of 20; 5.1% were between the ages of 20 and 24; 24.1% were from 25 and 44; 24.7% were from 45 and 64; and 21.0% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

2010 census

As of the

of 2010, there were 6,141 people, 2,655 households, and 1,612 families residing in the city. The

was . There were 2,856 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 95.0%

, 0.7%

African American African Americans, also known as Black Americans and formerly also called Afro-Americans, are an Race and ethnicity in the United States, American racial and ethnic group that consists of Americans who have total or partial ancestry from an ...

, 0.4% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 1.3%

, 0.6% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races.

Hispanic The term Hispanic () are people, Spanish culture, cultures, or countries related to Spain, the Spanish language, or broadly. In some contexts, Hispanic and Latino Americans, especially within the United States, "Hispanic" is used as an Ethnici ...

or Latino of any race were 1.8% of the population. There were 2,655 households, of which 29.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.7% were

living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.3% were non-families. 34.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.88. The median age in the city was 41 years. 24.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.5% were from 25 to 44; 25.7% were from 45 to 64; and 19.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.2% male and 52.8% female.

2000 census

As of the

of 2000, there were 6,112 people, 2,614 households, and 1,599 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 2,797 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 98.10%

, 0.16%

, 0.21% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 0.34%

, 0.34% from other races, and 0.72% from two or more races.

or Latino of any race were 0.98% of the population. There were 2,614 households, out of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.4% were

living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.8% were non-families. 34.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.90. Age spread: 24.4% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 21.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.0 males. The median income for a household in the city was $28,984, and the median income for a family was $36,705. Males had a median income of $25,819 versus $19,421 for females. The

per capita income Per capita income (PCI) or average income measures the average income earned per person in a given area (city, region, country, etc.) in a specified year. In many countries, per capita income is determined using regular population surveys, such ...

for the city was $16,360. About 9.1% of families and 12.3% of the population were below the

poverty line The poverty threshold, poverty limit, poverty line, or breadline is the minimum level of income deemed adequate in a particular country. The poverty line is usually calculated by estimating the total cost of one year's worth of necessities for ...

, including 18.6% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.

Geography

Maquoketa is located primarily in Jackson County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which is land and is water.

Climate

Government

Maquoketa is governed by the Mayor with city council form of government, with several departments, boards, and commissions. The council votes on and passes motions, resolutions and ordinances. Resolutions are statements of policy and ordinances are the laws of the city. The votes of each council member are recorded in the minutes of the meeting. The council also approves expenditures and the budget, contracts, city policies and zoning changes. Mayor The mayor is Tom Messerli. The mayor is the city's chief executive officer and presides over council meetings. Current Mayor: Tom Messerli City Council The city council members are (listed by seniority): *Joshua Collister (2010) *Kevin Kuhlman (2015) *Mark Lyon (2017) *Jacob Baker (2018) *Jessica Kean (2018) *Erica Barker (2018) *Ronald Horan Jr. (2018) City Manager Maquoketa's day-to-day operations are run by the city manager, Gerald Smith.

Education

Public schools

The Maquoketa Community School District, in partnership with the community, oversees the public school system of education for the city of Maquoketa and the surrounding area. The Maquoketa High School, home of the Cardinals, has enrollment of approximately 620 students, grades 9 through 12, with a staff of over 50 educators and administrators. The Maquoketa Middle School is the oldest school building in Maquoketa due to it being built in 1922 after the previous structure burned down, formally a home to a junior high, high school and junior college. The school has approximately 375 students, grades 6 through 8, with a staff of over 60 educators and administrators. Briggs Elementary School, built in 1954, is named after Ansel Briggs, the first Governor of Iowa, who was an early settler in Jackson County. The school has approximately 300 students, grades 3 through 5, with a staff of 35 educators and administrators. Cardinal Elementary School, built in 1974, started as a school for grades 1 through 6. Gradual changes were made to the building and the grade levels taught. The decision to teach only kindergarten through 2nd grade was implemented at Cardinal in May 2002. The school has a staff of 37 educators and administrators.

Private

Sacred Heart Elementary School is a

Catholic school Catholic schools are Parochial school, parochial pre-primary, primary and secondary educational institutions administered in association with the Catholic Church. , the Catholic Church operates the world's largest parochial schools, religious, no ...

teaching preschool through the sixth grade. The current school enrollment (see references) has 132 students and 20 staff.

Preschools

The Little Shepherd Preschool operates in the lower levels of the First

Lutheran Church Lutheranism is a major branch of Protestantism that emerged under the work of Martin Luther, the 16th-century German friar and reformer whose efforts to reform the theology and practices of the Catholic Church launched the Reformation in 15 ...

of Maquoketa. Sunshine Preschool and Daycare is a

nonprofit organization A nonprofit organization (NPO), also known as a nonbusiness entity, nonprofit institution, not-for-profit organization, or simply a nonprofit, is a non-governmental (private) legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public, or so ...

started in 1973. All children age 6 months up to 12 years of age including those with disabilities are accepted. Currently (see references) there are 145 children with 30 staff.

College

Clinton Community College added a Maquoketa campus right next to the Maquoketa High School. The 11,000 square foot facility opened in 2009 and offers associate degrees and non-credit training. They also offer classes to high school students to supplement their high school education.

Attractions

* Maquoketa Caves State Park * Hurstville Lime Kilns, north of Maquoketa * Jackson County Iowa Historical Society * Clinton Engines Museum * 61 Drive-in theater *Camp Shalom Inc. * The town also holds host to a historic district containing many great examples of Victorian architecture. Despite its size, the town also attracts many presidential candidates. 2008 Democratic presidential candidate

Barack Obama Barack Hussein Obama II (born August 4, 1961) is an American politician who was the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the first African American president in American history. O ...

visited the town twice during his campaign and again while president on August 16, 2011. The Old City Hall Gallery displays the oil paintings of International-known Maquoketa artist Rose Frantzen, whose exhibit "Portrait of Maquoketa", the oil paintings of 180 residents of Maquoketa, was once on display at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in

Washington, DC Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly known as Washington or D.C., is the capital city and Federal district of the United States, federal district of the United States. The city is on the Potomac River, across from ...

. It is now housed in the permanent collection of the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa.

Notable people

* Archie Atherton, parachutist * Norris Brown, Senator from Nebraska * Craig Callahan, professional basketball player * James H. Cartwright, Illinois Supreme Court justice * Betty Francis, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player * John Elliot Goodenow, politician and founder of the town * Herbert E. Hitchcock, Senator from South Dakota * Alfred Hurst, politician and businessman * Charles Wycliffe Joiner, US federal judge * Matthew Luckiesh, physicist * Junius Ralph Magee, former Methodist bishop * Eben Martin, former US Representative * Robert A. Millikan,

Nobel Prize The Nobel Prizes ( ; ; ) are awards administered by the Nobel Foundation and granted in accordance with the principle of "for the greatest benefit to humankind". The prizes were first awarded in 1901, marking the fifth anniversary of Alfred N ...

laureate * Joseph Otting, Businessman and 31st Comptroller of the Currency * Sage Rosenfels, former quarterback in the NFL * George Homer Ryan, former Governor of Illinois * William Welch, originated the printing of high school diplomas

References

External links

Official Maquoketa City Website
Portal website, City government, Chamber of Commerce, Economic development, Tourism
Maquoketa Community School DistrictMaquoketa Area Chamber of Commerce
Comprehensive Statistical Data and more about Maquoketa {{authority control Cities in Iowa Cities in Clinton County, Iowa Cities in Jackson County, Iowa County seats in Iowa Populated places established in 1838 1838 establishments in Iowa Territory