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Eagle Point Park is a 164 acre park located in the northeast corner of the city.
Eagle Point is mostly situated on a bluff that overlooks the Mississippi
River and the Dubuque Lock and Dam and provides spectacular
views of Iowa, Wisconsin & Illinois. The park is owned and operated by
the city of Dubuque, Iowa.
The idea for the park was conceived in 1907 when Charles
M. Robinson, a noted eastern park specialist, visited Dubuque. After
touring scenic locations in the city, Robinson made this comment to his
hosts: "I have never seen a place where the Almighty has done more
and mankind less, than Dubuque." Most of his listeners were hurt by
the remark, but one person decided to do something about it. He was Judge
Oliver Shiras, one of Dubuque's leading citizens.
A citizen's committee was formed in April of 1908, and
Judge Shiras was elected chairperson. In June of 1908, with aid from the
Civic Division of the Dubuque Women's Club, one hundred acres were
purchased from A.L. Rhomberg. The property was then deeded to the city and
became Eagle Point Park. Since the original purchase, seventeen parcels
have been purchased or donated, which brings the park to its present size.
Streetcar traffic began to serve the park in 1912. Union
Electric Company constructed the track, turnaround and waiting station in
the area at the park entrance where the eagle statue and flowerbeds are
located. In 1920, a bathing beach was constructed, but closed when the
lock and dam was built in December 1933.
The park took on a new look in the 1930's when the City
hired Park Superintendent Alfred Caldwell. A $200,000 Works Progress
Administration grant was received, and the gifted landscape architect
began work. His love of Frank Lloyd Wright prairie architecture is very
recognizable in the buildings and gardens. Caldwell's exceptional use of
native construction materials, craftsmanship and unique designs make the
park one of the most beautiful in the Midwest.
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