Iowa City is a city and the county seat of Johnson
County in the US state of Iowa. The US The Census Bureau
recorded a population of 74,828 as of the 2020 census.
The University of Iowa is headquartered in Iowa City. Central to
the campus is the historic former Iowa State Capitol. A US Army
Reserve Center is also located here.
Iowa City is the
heart of the Iowa City metropolitan area.
The Stanley Museum of Art at the University of Iowa is a visual arts institution that is part of the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, in the United States. It is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and its director is a member of the Association of Directors of Art Museums (North America). Since its inception, the museum has been an active participant in numerous educational programs and research projects at the University of Iowa College of Fine Arts and Art History, and for decades has sponsored the annual Master of Fine Arts (MFA) exhibition. - Master of Fine Arts), as well as other exhibitions by his teaching staff. Over the years, faculty from this and other Colleges and graduate students from the University have organized exhibitions at the Museum in connection with their research, courses, and seminars. The Stanley Museum of Art's educational mission is not only It encompasses the University of Iowa curriculum, but extends to the entire state.
Park Hickory Hill Park in the United States. Hickory Hill Park is located in the county of Johnson County and the state of Iowa, in the eastern part of the country, 1,300 km west of the capital city Washington, D.C. Hickory Hill Park is located 207 meters above sea level. The land around Hickory Hill Park is flat. The highest point in the area has a height of 242 meters and is 1.00 km northwest of Hickory Hill Park. There are about 16 people per square kilometer around Hickory Hill Park has a small population. The nearest larger town is Iowa City, 1.2 miles southwest of Hickory Hill Park. Hickory Hill Park is surrounded by fields. The climate is continental. The average temperature is 10 °C. The warmest month is June, at 22 °C, and the coldest is January, at −8 °C. The average rainfall is 1,097 millimeters per year. The wettest month is June, with 185 millimeters of rain, and the driest is January, with 42 millimeters.
Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa and a rich historical
tapestry as Iowa's former territorial capital, is steeped in folklore
and paranormal tales. Its Victorian-era architecture, historic
districts, and proximity to Oakland Cemetery have fostered a culture of
ghost stories passed down through generations. These legends often blend
documented history with urban myths, involving tragic deaths, unquiet
spirits, and eerie occurrences. Many stem from the city's 19th-century
development, when homes hosted funeral visitations and neighborhoods
like Brown Street served as procession routes. Paranormal investigators,
such as those from Iowa City Ghost Hunters, have documented voices,
apparitions, and unexplained phenomena, while locals share personal
anecdotes. Below is an in-depth exploration of the most prominent
haunted sites and their associated legends.
The Black Angel of
Oakland Cemetery
One of Iowa City's most iconic and chilling legends
revolves around the Black Angel statue in Oakland Cemetery, a historic
burial ground established in the mid-1800s just east of downtown. The
8.5-foot-tall bronze monument was commissioned by Czech immigrant Teresa
Dolezal Feldevert in the early 20th century (debated as 1912 or 1918 due
to legal disputes with the artist) to mark the graves of her husband and
son. Initially golden-bronze, the statue mysteriously darkened to a deep
black shortly after Feldevert's ashes were interred beneath it in 1924.
Scientific explanations attribute this to oxidation from environmental
exposure, but local folklore offers darker interpretations: a divine
punishment for Feldevert's alleged sins, such as adultery, murder, or
witchcraft; a lightning strike on the night of her burial; or a curse
tied to her unfaithfulness.
The legends have evolved into
superstitions that draw thrill-seekers, especially on Halloween. Common
tales warn that any girl kissed in the statue's shadow under moonlight
will die within six months; touching it at midnight on Halloween brings
death within seven years; and directly kissing the Angel results in
instant demise. Some claim the statue grows darker each year as a tally
of its "victims," and restoration attempts have failed, fueling beliefs
in its supernatural power. Paranormal reports include feelings of
unease, cold spots, and shadowy figures near the site. The Black Angel
has inspired poetry, such as Michael S. Harper's description of it as an
"oxygen tent" with "heavy air" clinging to its skin, and it's a staple
of ghost tours. Oakland Cemetery itself amplifies the lore, as it was a
endpoint for funeral processions from Brown Street, embedding death
rituals into the city's fabric.
University of Iowa Dormitories:
Slater and Currier Halls
The University of Iowa's campus dorms are
hotspots for student ghost stories, blending academic life with spectral
intrigue. Slater Hall, a towering residence built in the late 1800s, is
infamous for its ninth-floor hauntings. Legend holds that a male
student, despondent over personal troubles, jumped to his death from the
floor in the early 20th century. Residents report hearing disembodied
footsteps pacing the halls, blood-curdling screams echoing at night, and
sightings of a translucent young man wandering the corridors. These
disturbances are said to intensify during stressful periods like finals
week, as if the spirit empathizes with modern students' pressures.
Currier Hall, the university's oldest dormitory, carries its own tragic
tale on the fourth floor. Three female roommates allegedly fell in love
with the same man in the late 1800s or early 1900s, leading to
heartbreak and a pact of suicide upon discovering his betrayal. Their
benevolent spirits are said to manifest during roommate conflicts,
appearing as ethereal women who whisper encouragements of harmony and
friendship. Other accounts describe a "concerned father" ghost who
watches over residents, possibly a protective figure from the building's
history. Paranormal experiences include cold drafts, flickering lights,
and objects moving on their own, often interpreted as interventions to
resolve disputes.
Rienow Hall is occasionally mentioned in tandem,
with similar upper-floor apparitions, but Slater and Currier dominate
the lore. These stories are amplified by the university's long history,
with ghost hunters noting electromagnetic anomalies in the buildings.
Brown Street Historic District and Gaslight Village
The Brown
Street Historic District, a 15-acre national historic area in northern
Iowa City developed in the late 1800s, is laced with paranormal activity
tied to its role as a funeral procession route to Oakland Cemetery.
Brick roads laid in 1907 carried coffins, imprinting the neighborhood
with death's shadow. Residents report hearing a young girl's voice in
the wind, creaking floors mimicking footsteps, and violent historical
echoes like murders. At 327 Brown Street, a Victorian house, guests have
seen a large, hairy white dog apparition—despite no pets being
present—possibly a remnant of funeral customs where homes hosted
viewings.
Gaslight Village, a 1950s complex for student artists and
writers, exudes an "indescribable vibe of discomfort and disease."
Legends speak of residents enduring personal tragedies and displaying
erratic behavior, with no specific ghosts but an overarching sense of
dread. Gravestones from the 1820s-1840s embedded in a wall draw
investigators, who report shadowy figures and unexplained noises.
Plum Grove Mansion
This 1844 Greek Revival home, once owned by
Iowa's first territorial governor Robert Lucas, sits on four acres south
of downtown. Now a museum managed by the Johnson County Historical
Society, it's open to the public but carries subtle hauntings. Visitors
report "bad vibes" in the girl's bedroom, filled with period toys and a
doll from Lucas's granddaughter, refusing to enter due to overwhelming
unease. No apparitions are documented, but the preserved orchards and
historic furnishings evoke a lingering presence, possibly tied to the
family's losses.
E.C. Mabie Theatre
On the university's west
campus, this theater is haunted by Edward Charles Mabie, its namesake
founder. Legends claim Mabie despised musicals, causing stage mishaps
like falling props or lighting failures during productions. A benevolent
twist: the ghost reportedly leaves gifts for staff, as recounted by a
secretary who attributed items to Mabie's spirit. The tradition of a
"ghost light" left onstage overnight—either to ward off or accommodate
spirits—adds to the lore, with actors feeling watched during rehearsals.
Watt’s Antiques & Collectibles (Now Closed)
This former antique
shop in a converted old house on Muscatine Avenue and Dearborn Street
was rumored haunted before its permanent closure. Patrons reported
disembodied voices, footsteps on empty stairs, cold spots, and
full-bodied apparitions, possibly linked to the building's age and
accumulated artifacts.
These legends are documented in books like
Haunted Iowa City by Vernon Trollinger, which explores the "Wandering
Cadaver" and other odd tales, emphasizing the city's spooky heritage.
While skeptics attribute experiences to suggestion or environmental
factors, believers point to consistent reports from diverse witnesses.
Abandoned Places in Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa City's abandoned sites
reflect economic shifts, natural disasters, and urban evolution, often
blending decay with potential redevelopment. Unlike the state's rural
ghost towns, these urban relics are tied to education and
infrastructure, with some slated for revival. Exploration is discouraged
due to trespassing laws, safety hazards like structural instability, and
surveillance.
University of Iowa Art Building
Built in 1936 on
the west bank of the Iowa River, this historic structure holds cultural
significance as the studio where artist Grant Wood taught and created
works in the 1930s. Flooding in 2008 devastated the basement, leading to
its abandonment. The building has been mothballed—secured but
unused—with university plans for restoration and repurposing, though no
timeline exists. Its vacant state evokes a time capsule of artistic
history, with overgrown exteriors and boarded windows.
Roosevelt
Elementary School
Perched atop Benton Street hill, this school
operated for 81 years until closing in 2011 due to district
consolidation. It briefly housed other programs but sat vacant after
being sold to developers in 2021 for $1.25 million. As of 2025, plans
approved by the city council aim to transform it into a 187-unit
affordable housing complex, addressing local needs. The site features
no-trespassing signs and cameras, with remnants like sledding hills from
its heyday adding nostalgia. Urban explorers note its eerie, empty
classrooms and playgrounds overtaken by weeds.
Other rumored sites,
like an "Old Iowa City Industrial Complex," "Abandoned Medical Center,"
or "Military Base Ruins," appear unsubstantiated or misattributed in
online lists, possibly confusing Iowa City with broader Iowa locales.
For instance, medical facilities like the former Mercy Iowa City have
been repurposed by UI Health Care, not abandoned. Military references
point to distant sites like Fort Madison or Camp Dodge, with no Cold
War-era ruins confirmed in Iowa City.
Pre-Colonial and Early Settlement Period
The area that would
become Iowa City was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples,
including the Meskwaki (Fox) and Sac tribes. In the early 19th century,
as part of the Louisiana Purchase and subsequent treaties, the land west
of the Mississippi River was opened to white settlement. By the 1830s,
the Black Hawk Purchase of 1832 had ceded much of eastern Iowa to the
United States, leading to rapid influx of settlers. A small trading post
called Napoleon, located along the Iowa River in Johnson County, emerged
around 1837–1838 as one of the earliest white settlements in the region.
Led by businessman John Gilbert, Napoleon briefly served as the county
seat and hosted a U.S. Post Office. On July 4, 1838, it held an
Independence Day celebration where Meskwaki Chief Poweshiek delivered a
poignant farewell speech, lamenting the impending displacement of his
people as white settlers claimed their lands, paths, and resources. This
event symbolized the tragic transition, with the Meskwaki forced to
relocate westward within a year.
Founding and Establishment as
Territorial Capital (1839–1841)
Iowa City was officially founded on
January 21, 1839, through an act of the Legislative Assembly of the Iowa
Territory, which had separated from the Wisconsin Territory in 1838.
Governor Robert Lucas advocated for a more centrally located capital
than the temporary seat in Burlington, aiming to balance regional
interests amid tensions between eastern and western settlers. The
legislation, narrowly passed (13-12) and introduced by Colonel Thomas
Cox, designated Johnson County for the new capital and named it "Iowa
City" (sometimes referred to as "City of Iowa" in early documents).
Commissioners Chauncey Swan, John Ronalds, and Robert Ralston were
appointed to select the site. On May 1, 1839, Swan and Ronalds met at
Gilbert's trading house in Napoleon (Ralston was absent), and the next
day, they chose a wooded hillside overlooking the Iowa River, about two
miles north of Napoleon. The location was ideal due to its bluffs, river
access for transportation, nearby timber and stone for building, and
central position in the territory. On May 4, 1839, they staked the site
in Section 10, Township 79 North, Range 6 West, during a modest
ceremony. Surveying began swiftly, with the original town plat covering
one square mile (640 acres), including 100 blocks, 31 outlots, public
squares, parks, and reserves for churches and schools. Capitol Square, a
four-block area on a high bluff, became the city's centerpiece. Streets
were laid out in a grid, with wide avenues like Iowa Avenue (120 feet)
and others named after presidents (e.g., Jefferson, Madison) or features
(e.g., Capitol, Governor).
Land sales started in August 1839,
attracting settlers rapidly. By July 4, 1839, the site hosted its own
Independence Day event, signaling Napoleon's decline. Construction of
the Territorial Capitol Building, designed by John F. Rague in Greek
Revival style (modeled after Illinois' capitol), began in 1840 with a
cornerstone laid on Independence Day. The building was completed in 1842
at a cost of about $50,000. In December 1841, the territorial government
officially relocated to Iowa City, making it the second and final
capital of the Iowa Territory (1841–1846).
State Capital Era and
Early Growth (1846–1857)
With Iowa's statehood in 1846, Iowa City
became the first state capital, hosting the first six General Assemblies
in the Old Capitol Building until 1857. The city's population grew from
around 1,250 in 1850 to 5,214 by 1860, fueled by its political role and
infrastructure development. Key early institutions included Oakland
Cemetery, established by the territorial legislature on February 13,
1843, as a one-block plot (now 40 acres), which became the resting place
for notable figures like Governor Robert Lucas and Civil War-era
Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood. It features the iconic "Black Angel"
monument, erected in 1912.
The University of Iowa was founded in
1847, just two months after statehood, and began classes in 1855 in the
Old Capitol Building. This institution would become central to the
city's identity, evolving into a major research university with over
31,000 students, a renowned medical school, teaching hospital, and
College of Law. The arrival of the railroad in 1855 connected Iowa City
to the Mississippi River, making it a dispersal point for westward
immigrants and boosting commerce. Nearby Coralville developed around an
1843 dam on the Iowa River, powering mills and later inspiring its name
from fossilized coral noted by zoologist Louis Agassiz.
In 1857, amid
debates over the capital's location (seen as too eastern), the state
government moved to Des Moines, a more central site. This shift marked
the end of Iowa City's capital era, but the Old Capitol Building was
donated to the university, becoming a National Historic Landmark and
museum.
Post-Capital Growth and 19th-Century Development
(1858–1900)
After losing the capital, Iowa City pivoted to education
and agriculture. The university's growth drove population increases:
7,123 by 1880 and continued expansion. The city was incorporated in
1853, and by the 1860s, it featured burgeoning industries, including
mills in nearby Coralville (which closed by 1900). North Liberty,
incorporated in 1913 but with roots in the late 19th century, began as a
small community of about 190 residents. The area supported farming
(hogs, cattle, grain) and light manufacturing, while the university
fostered cultural development. Historic sites like Plum Grove (1844),
the restored home of Governor Robert Lucas, highlight this period.
20th-Century Challenges and Expansion (1901–2000)
The 20th
century brought growth and trials. Population reached 27,212 by 1950,
driven by the university and post-WWII booms. Coralville and North
Liberty expanded rapidly after the war, with Coralville's population
hitting 977 by 1950 due to affordable housing for university students,
and North Liberty growing to over 2,000 by 1980. The Coralville Dam,
completed in 1958 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provided flood
control and recreation but couldn't prevent later disasters.
The
1960s and 1970s saw social unrest. In May 1970, following the Kent State
shootings, anti-Vietnam War protests erupted on campus. Students marched
on the National Guard Armory, occupied the Old Capitol, and faced
arrests. Fires damaged buildings like the Old Armory Temporary,
reflecting national tensions.
Natural disasters marked the late 20th
century. Major floods in 1993 and especially 2008 devastated the area;
the 2008 Iowa River flood peaked at 33 feet, damaging 19 university
buildings, displacing residents, and costing millions. Artworks,
including Picassos, were evacuated to Chicago. A 2006 EF2 tornado
struck, destroying structures like Saint Patrick's Catholic Church and
causing $12 million in cleanup costs. These events spurred resilience
and revitalization.
Modern Era and Cultural Significance
(2001–Present)
By 2020, Iowa City's population was 74,828, with a
metro area of 171,491, making it Iowa's fifth-largest city. The economy
centers on the University of Iowa, healthcare (UI Hospitals and
Clinics), manufacturing (automotive products, paper, toothbrushes), and
agriculture. North Liberty has exploded to over 18,000 residents, with
amenities like parks and schools.
Culturally, Iowa City is dubbed the
"Athens of Iowa" and was designated a UNESCO City of Literature in
2008—the first in the U.S. and third worldwide—due to its literary
heritage. It hosts the Iowa Writers' Workshop (founded 1936, with alumni
like John Irving and Marilynne Robinson), International Writing Program,
and festivals such as the Iowa City Jazz Festival, Arts Festival, Book
Festival, and Mission Creek. The Iowa Avenue Literary Walk features
bronze panels honoring 49 Iowa-linked authors. Venues like the Englert
Theatre, Riverside Theatre, and Hancher Auditorium (rebuilt after the
2008 flood) enrich the scene. Environmental activism continues, with a
2019 climate strike featuring Greta Thunberg.
Iowa City is situated in eastern Iowa, United States, serving as the county seat of Johnson County. It lies along the Iowa River and is positioned on Interstate 80, approximately 60 miles west of the Quad Cities (Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, and Rock Island) and 27 miles south of Cedar Rapids. The city's geographic coordinates are 41°37′15″N 91°29′41″W. Iowa City covers a total area of approximately 25.28 square miles (65.49 square kilometers), with 25.01 square miles of land and 0.27 square miles of water, according to U.S. Census data. Other sources report a slightly larger area of 26.19 square miles (67.83 square kilometers), including 25.64 square miles of land and 0.54 square miles of water.
The topography of Iowa City is characterized by its position on
bluffs overlooking the Iowa River, creating an amphitheater-like
formation with an eminence (a raised landform) on the western side
running parallel to the river. This setting provides a varied landscape
with rolling hills and valleys typical of the region's glacial history.
The area is part of the broader Iowa landscape, which was shaped by
ancient glaciers during the Pleistocene epoch, resulting in fertile
prairies and subtle undulations in elevation. Average elevations in and
around Iowa City range from about 708 feet (216 meters) to 738 feet (225
meters), reflecting the gentle terrain of eastern Iowa. The city's
lowest points are near the riverbanks, while higher bluffs provide
natural overlooks.
In the context of Iowa's statewide geography, Iowa
City sits in a region of moderate elevation compared to the state's
extremes: Iowa's lowest point is 480 feet (146 meters) along the
Mississippi River in the southeast, and its highest is Hawkeye Point at
1,670 feet (509 meters) in the northwest. The local soil is
predominantly loess (wind-deposited silt) and till from glacial
deposits, supporting rich agricultural lands surrounding the urban area.
Vegetation includes native prairie grasses, oak-hickory forests along
river corridors, and urban green spaces like parks and the University of
Iowa campus.
The Iowa River is the defining hydrological feature of Iowa City, flowing through the heart of the city from north to south. It is a major tributary of the Mississippi River, contributing to the region's drainage basin. The river's presence influences local flooding risks, particularly during heavy spring and summer rains, and it has historically shaped urban development, with bridges and dams (such as the Coralville Dam upstream) managing water flow. Smaller tributaries, like Ralston Creek, feed into the Iowa River within the city limits. The U.S. Geological Survey monitors the river at Iowa City, tracking water levels, discharge, and quality, which are critical for flood forecasting and environmental health. Groundwater resources are abundant due to the underlying aquifers, supporting municipal water supplies.
Specific elevation points in Iowa City include 668 feet (204 meters) above sea level at the Iowa City Municipal Airport, which serves as a reference for much of the urban area. Downtown areas near the river are slightly lower, around 666 feet (203 meters), while surrounding neighborhoods on bluffs can reach up to 750 feet or more in isolated spots. This variation contributes to scenic views and influences local microclimates, with higher areas experiencing slightly cooler temperatures and better drainage.
Iowa City experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers
(Köppen classification: Dfa), featuring distinct seasonal changes.
Winters are cold and moderately snowy, while summers are warm and humid,
with frequent thunderstorms. Average monthly temperatures range from
22.8°F (−5.1°C) in January to 75.8°F (24.3°C) in July. Precipitation is
unevenly distributed, lowest in winter (around 1.14 inches in January)
and peaking from May to August, with June being the wettest month at
about 5.49 inches. Annual precipitation totals approximately 38.47
inches, and snowfall averages 27.5 inches per year, mostly from December
to February.
Severe weather is common in spring and summer, including
showers, thunderstorms, and occasional hail or tornadoes, though Iowa
City's tornado risk is lower than in states like Oklahoma or Kansas.
Notable events include a severe hailstorm on May 18, 1997, and tornadoes
on April 13, 2006. Extreme temperatures have ranged from a record high
of 109°F (43°C) to a low of −32°F (−36°C). Climate data is based on
1991–2020 normals from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA).
Henry Augustus Pilsbry (1862–1957), biologist, zoologist,
malacologist and carciologist
Mignon Talbot (1869–1950),
paleontologist and geologist
Alfred Marshall Bailey (1894–1978),
ornithologist
Gladys Elizabeth Baker (1908–2007), mycologist and
college professor
John Y McCollister (1921–2013), politician
Lawrence Donald Soens (1926–2021), Roman Catholic minister, Bishop of
Sioux City
Allan Rex Sandage (1926–2010), astronomer
Howard C.
Berg (1934–2021), biophysicist
Sidney G. Winter (born 1935),
economist
Gail Jefferson (1938–2008), linguist
Larry Dowd
(1940–2006), rockabilly musician
Diane E. Griffin (born 1940),
microbiologist and virologist
Phyllis Somerville (1943–2020), actress
Mark Noll (born 1946), evangelical church historian and author
Bob
Barr (born 1948), lawyer and politician
Jay Hilgenberg, (born 1959),
American football player
Phil Morris (born 1959), actor
Norm
Breyfogle (1960–2018), comic artist
Corine Mauch (born 1960), Mayor
of Zurich
Joel Hilgenberg (born 1962), American football player
Nancy Hogshead (born 1962), swimmer and Olympic gold medalist
William
von Hippel (born 1963), American-Australian social psychologist
Hill
Harper (born 1966), actor
Michael Schnack (* 1967), conductor,
composer and university lecturer
Laura Leighton (born 1968), actress
Luke Bodensteiner (born 1970), cross-country skier
Jim Butler (born
1971), table tennis player
Chelsea Cain (born 1972), writer and
journalist
N.K. Jemisin (born 1972), fantasy writer
Joey Woody
(born 1973), track and field athlete
Tim Dwight (born 1975), football
player
Christian Ahrens (born 1976), rower
Zach Johnson (born
1976), professional golfer
Andrew Bentler (born 1978), film editor,
film director, film producer and screenwriter
Sharel Cassity (born
1978), jazz musician
Michael Mosley (born 1978), actor
Nate
Kaeding (born 1982), football player
Nate Ruess (born 1982), singer
Ashley Tesoro (born 1983), actress
Ashlie Kego (born 1989),
Nigerian-American artist
Michael Wacha (born 1991), baseball player