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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Cedar Rapids holding events to celebrate city’s 175th anniversary
How the city is celebrating its 175th anniversary, recognizing its incorporation in 1849
CEDAR RAPIDS — The city of Cedar Rapids has a big birthday coming up.
The recognized date that Cedar Rapids was officially incorporated is Jan. 15, 1849, making this year its 175th anniversary. The City of Cedar Rapids will hold a 175th Anniversary Commemoration at City Hall, 101 First St. SE, at 2 p.m. Thursday to celebrate with remarks from city leaders and the dedication of a community time capsule.
If you go
What: City of Cedar Rapids 175th Anniversary Commemoration
Where: Cedar Rapids City Hall, 101 First St. SE, Cedar Rapids
When: 2 p.m. Thursday
Cost: Free
Details: For more information on community organizations’ celebrations visit www.cityofcr.com/175.
Before its official incorporation, more than 26 Native American communities and their descendants — including the Iowa, Omaha, Ponca, Ho-Chuck, Winnebago, Otoe, Miami, Peoria, Potawatomi, Pawnee and Dakota tribes — called the area along the Cedar River home before colonial settlers arrived.
Early settlers lived in log cabins. Osgood Shepherd, who claimed he was the first, built one near where “Tree of Five Seasons” monument now stands, became Cedar Rapids.
Before its official incorporation, the city was named “Columbus” in 1838 and “Rapids City” in 1841. The town was eventually renamed “Cedar Rapids” in 1849 and incorporated with the state of Iowa. Its name comes from the Red Cedar River running through the community. The river’s name was translated from what the Meskwaki tribe called it for the large number of red cedar trees growing along its banks.
Cedar Rapids staff sent residents a November 2023 special edition of Our CR Magazine exploring the city’s early years and evolution.
The city encourages community organizations to join and post their own celebrations on the Tourism calendar with the special tag. More information is available at www.cityofcr.com/175.
Cedar Rapids’ Traveling History Exhibit
A traveling exhibit will showcase Cedar Rapids history, allowing people to visit various city locations during each facility’s regular business hours.
- City Hall, 101 First St. SE; Jan. 15 to 22, Jan. 24 to Feb. 2. There will be a guided tour of the historic Council Chamber murals at noon Jan. 19. Meet at the City Hall main floor lobby.
- Cedar Rapids Central Fire Station, 713 First Ave. SE; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 23; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 12; and 1 to 5 p.m. June 13. The companion Fire Museum displays photos and artifacts tracing the department’s history.
- Cedar Rapids Ladd Library, 3750 Williams Blvd. SW; Feb. 3 to 18.
- City Services Center, 500 15th Ave. SW; Feb. 19 to 29.
- The Eastern Iowa Airport, 2121 Arthur Collins Parkway SW; March 1 to 11; and March 13 to 17. A companion exhibit will celebrate the airport’s 75th anniversary from 2022.
- Cedar Rapids Downtown Library, 450 Fifth Ave. SE; March 18 to 28.
- Noelridge Greenhouse, 4900 Council St. NE; March 31to April 14.
- Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11th St. NW; April 15 to 26
Comments: (319) 398-8494; marissa.payne@thegazette.com
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