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63-607: The Iowa Old Capitol Building is located in Iowa City , Iowa , United States . It was once the main government building for the state of Iowa, and it now stands as the most prominent landmark at the center of the University of Iowa 's campus. The building was depicted on the 1946 Iowa Centennial commemorative half dollar. It was individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1972, and it

126-422: A belfry , belvedere , or roof lantern above a main roof. In other cases they may crown a spire , tower , or turret . Barns often have cupolas for ventilation. Cupolas can also appear as small buildings in their own right. The square, dome-like segment of a North American railroad train caboose that contains the second-level or "angel" seats is also called a cupola. The term cupola can also refer to

189-445: A cupola ( / ˈ k ( j ) uː p ə l ə / ) is a relatively small, usually dome -like structure on top of a building often crowning a larger roof or dome. Cupolas often serve as a roof lantern to admit light and air or as a lookout. The word derives, via Italian , from lower Latin cupula (classical Latin cupella ), from Ancient Greek κύπελλον ( kúpellon )  'small cup' (Latin cupa ), indicating

252-575: A Combined Statistical Area (CSA). This CSA along with two additional counties are known as the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids (ICR) Corridor and collectively have a population of over 450,000. Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC), the state's only comprehensive tertiary care medical center . The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center in Iowa City is an NCI-designated Cancer Center , one of fewer than 60 in

315-705: A National Guard helicopter circled the Pentacrest. In the early morning hours of Saturday, May 9, the Old Armory Temporary (O.A.T.), also known as "Big Pink", which housed the writing lab, was burned down. This building was located next to the Old Armory, where the Adler Journalism and Mass Communications building currently is located. O.A.T was said to be at the top of a list of buildings for burning, probably due to its poor condition and

378-536: A bachelor's degree or higher and 79.7% were white alone, not Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% were Asian alone, and 5.8% were black alone, while the median household income was $ 41,410, about $ 10,000 less than the state median. As of the census of 2020, there were 74,828 people, 30,291 households, and 13,206 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,923.3 inhabitants per square mile (1,128.7/km ). There were 32,854 housing units at an average density of 1,283.5 per square mile (495.6/km ). The racial makeup of

441-459: A family was $ 57,568. Males had a median income of $ 35,435 versus $ 28,981 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 20,269. About 2.7% of families and 4.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.2% of those under age 18 and 3.0% of those age 65 or over. The Iowa City Metropolitan Statistical Area consists of Johnson and Washington counties in Iowa; Washington County

504-531: A female householder with no spouse or partner present and 27.6% had a male householder with no spouse or partner present. 56.4% of all households were non-families. 36.2% of all households were made up of individuals, 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years old or older. The median age in the city was 27.1 years. 21.0% of the residents were under the age of 20; 24.3% were between the ages of 20 and 24; 27.1% were from 25 and 44; 16.1% were from 45 and 64; and 11.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of

567-597: A golden bronze cast to an eerie black. Founded in 1847, today's University of Iowa offers more than 100 areas of study to 31,112 students. The university includes a medical school and one of the United States' largest university-owned teaching hospitals, providing patient care within 16 medical specialties. The University of Iowa College of Law is located there. The spring of 1970 was a tumultuous time on college campuses. On April 30, President Richard Nixon announced that U.S. forces would invade Cambodia because of

630-472: A lawsuit with the contractors for $ 1.9 million. In February 2003, a new, 12,000 pound wood dome was placed on top of the Old Capitol Building. The dome is covered with 23 3 ⁄ 4 carat gold leaf . A new bell was installed, and the old bell is on display inside the building. On May 6, 2006, the Old Capitol Building was reopened to the public. The ground floor of the building is now

693-482: A museum, with exhibits about the history of the building, the university, and the state of Iowa. University meetings and speeches can again take place at the Old Capitol, and as in the past, Ph.D. students often make their doctoral defenses in the chambers of the Old Capitol Building. The University of Iowa's official logo is a graphic representation of the Old Capitol dome. Iowa City, Iowa Iowa City

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756-411: A smoke bomb. The protesters left voluntarily when asked to do so. Around 2 am Friday morning, President Boyd requested arrest of the students on the Pentacrest by highway patrolmen, but the next day he regretted the mass arrests and said he had received faulty information. On May 8, President Boyd cancelled the 89th annual Governor's day ROTC observance for the following day. On Friday and Saturday

819-468: A stake in the center of the proposed site and began planning the new capital city. Commissioner Swan, in a report to the legislature in Burlington, described the site: Iowa City is located on a section of land laying in the form of an amphitheater. There is an eminence on the west near the river, running parallel with it." By June of that year, the town had been platted and surveyed from Brown St. in

882-534: A vault resembling an upside-down cup. The cylindrical drum underneath a larger cupola is called a tholobate . The cupola evolved during the Renaissance from the older oculus . Being weatherproof, the cupola was better suited to the wetter climates of northern Europe. The chhatri , seen in Indian architecture , fits the definition of a cupola when it is used atop a larger structure. Cupolas often serve as

945-450: Is dished out to them. We don't want to dictate what they should or should not do. However, student demonstrations should remain within the law and good taste without interfering with the university's primary purpose of instructing students." During this time, there was also a strong ROTC presence on campus. Their presence on campus and the academic credit they received for their service was called into question by both students and faculty in

1008-656: Is land and 0.27 square miles (0.70 km ) is water. The elevation at the Iowa City Municipal Airport is 668 ft (204 m) above sea level. Iowa City has a humid continental climate, hot-summer subtype (Dfa in the Köppen climate classification ). Average monthly temperatures range from about 22.8 °F (−5.1 °C) in January to 75.8 °F (24.3 °C) in July. Average monthly precipitation

1071-447: Is lowest in winter and peaks significantly from May to August, with June being the average wettest month. Showers and thunderstorms are common from May to September, and can be severe, especially from May to July. In winter, snowfall is moderate, occasionally heavy in single storms. Snow cover is occasional in drier and/or warmer winter seasons, but (rarely) can be continuous in the coldest seasons, such as that of 1978–79. The Iowa City area

1134-479: Is the county seat and largest city of Johnson County, Iowa , United States. At the time of the 2020 census the population was 74,828, making it the state's fifth-most populous city . The Iowa City metropolitan area , which encompasses Johnson and Washington counties, has a population of over 171,000. The metro area is also a part of a combined statistical area with the Cedar Rapids metro area known as

1197-620: The I-80 bridge on the edge of town, to connect the east and west sides of the Iowa River. On Saturday, June 14, officials at the University of Iowa began to power down the university's primary power generating plant along the Iowa River to prevent structural damage. Backup units continued to provide necessary power and steam services for essential University services, including the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics . Water began touching

1260-486: The cupola caught fire during the renovation of its gold leaf dome. The cupola was destroyed and the building was heavily damaged. In 2006, after an extensive restoration, the building re-opened to the public. The building now serves as the Old Capitol Museum, as well as a venue for speeches, lectures, press conferences and performances in the original state senate chamber. Cupola In architecture ,

1323-443: The cupola supporting the building's gold dome accidentally set the cupola on fire. The fire was limited to the cupola of the building, thanks to a concrete slab firewall that had been installed during the 1920s renovation. The bell at the top of the Old Capitol was irreparably damaged, the dome was destroyed, and the tens of thousands of gallons of water used to douse the blaze caused major damage. The University of Iowa later settled

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1386-471: The Chicago area before the fine arts area was heavily hit with flood water. On Friday, June 13, university employees were encouraged to stay home, and travel was strongly discouraged in Iowa City; one city statement advised, "If you live in east Iowa City, stay in east Iowa City; if you live in west Iowa City, stay in west Iowa City." The Burlington St. bridge was the only bridge that remained open, other than

1449-575: The Iowa City-Cedar Rapids region which collectively has a population of nearly 500,000. Iowa City is the home of the University of Iowa . It was the second capital of the Iowa Territory and the first capital city of the State of Iowa; the Old Capitol building is a National Historic Landmark in the center of the University of Iowa campus. The University of Iowa Art Museum and Plum Grove ,

1512-443: The Iowa River, which caused widespread property damage and forced evacuations in large sections of the city. By Friday, June 13, 2008, the Iowa River had risen to a record level of 30.46 feet (9.28 m) (5:00 pm CST) with a crest of approximately 33 feet (10 m) predicted for Wednesday, June 18, 2008. Much of the city's 500-year floodplain saw mild to catastrophic effects of the rapidly flowing, polluted water. Officials at

1575-443: The Old Capitol Building was laid in Iowa City on July 4, 1840. Iowa City served as the third and last territorial capital of Iowa, and the last four territorial legislatures met at the Old Capitol Building until December 28, 1846, when Iowa was admitted into the United States as the 29th state of the union. Iowa City was declared the state capital of Iowa, and the government convened in the Old Capitol Building. The Iowa constitution

1638-412: The University of Iowa reported that up to 19 buildings were affected by rising waters. Extensive efforts to move materials from the university's main library were undertaken as large groups of sandbagging volunteers began to construct a massive levee near the building. Approximately $ 300 million worth of art, including work by Picasso , owned by the university was secretly moved to a holding place in

1701-464: The University of Iowa. These include Robert E. Lucas , first governor of the territory (1838–41); Samuel J. Kirkwood , governor during the Civil War (1860–64), again in 1876, a U.S. senator in 1877, and subsequently secretary of the interior and U.S. minister to Spain; well-known presidents of the university, Walter A. Jessup (1915–33) and Virgil M. Hancher (1940–64); Cordelia Swan, daughter of one of

1764-566: The bottom of the Park St. bridge forcing the Army Corps of Engineers to drill several holes in the bridge to allow air trapped underneath to escape. Also on Saturday, Mayor Regenia Bailey issued a curfew restricting anyone except those authorized by law enforcement from being within 100 yards (91 m) of any area affected by the flood between 8:30 pm and 6 am. On October 4, 2019, a Friday climate school strike with Greta Thunberg

1827-427: The cemetery has been expanded and now encompasses 40 acres (16 hectares). Oakland Cemetery is a non-perpetual care city cemetery. This cemetery is supported by city taxes. The staff is strongly committed to the maintenance and preservation of privately owned lots and accessories. Since its establishment, the cemetery has become the final resting place of many men and women important in the history of Iowa, of Iowa City and

1890-574: The city was 49.0% male and 51.0% female. As of the census of 2010, there were 67,862 people, 27,657 households, and 11,743 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,713.4 inhabitants per square mile (1,047.6/km ). There were 29,270 housing units at an average density of 1,170.3 units per square mile (451.9 units/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 82.5% White , 5.8% African American , 0.2% Native American , 6.9% Asian , 2.1% from other races , and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race were 5.3% of

1953-437: The city was 72.5% White , 10.2% Black or African American , 0.2% Native American , 7.3% Asian , 0.0% Pacific Islander , 3.0% from other races and 6.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino persons of any race comprised 7.3% of the population. Of the 30,291 households, 20.4% of which had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.9% were married couples living together, 7.1% were cohabitating couples, 32.4% had

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2016-437: The city. The population density was 2,575.0 inhabitants per square mile (994.2/km ). There were 26,083 housing units at an average density of 1,079.4 units per square mile (416.8 units/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 87.33% White, 3.75% African American, 0.31% American Indian , 5.64% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander , 1.25% from other races , and 1.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.95% of

2079-531: The city. The total cost of damage was estimated at $ 12 million–$ 4 million of which was attributed to Iowa City and Johnson County property. A local newspaper reported on June 11, 2008, that water exceeded the emergency spillway at the Coralville Reservoir outside of Iowa City. As a result, the City of Iowa City and the University of Iowa were seriously affected by unprecedented flooding of

2142-425: The country. ACT college testing services is headquartered in Iowa City. According to Iowa City's 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are: In the early 1970s, the Old Capitol was renovated and university administrative offices were relocated to Jessup Hall. All but one of the major rooms were restored to their appearance when Iowa City was the state capital. In November 2001

2205-462: The eastern residential area and several parks suffered scattered damage of varying degrees. Additionally, several houses in the sorority row area were destroyed. The Alpha Chi Omega house was nearly destroyed, though no one was injured. The building was later razed. Cleanup efforts were under way almost immediately as local law enforcement, volunteer workers from all over the state, and Iowa City residents and college students worked together to restore

2268-405: The final Iowa design. One surviving 1839 sketch of the proposed capital shows a radically different layout, with two domes and a central tower. The cornerstone of the Old Capitol Building was laid in Iowa City on July 4, 1840. Iowa City served as the third and last territorial capital of Iowa, and the last four territorial legislatures met at the Old Capitol Building until December 28, 1846, when Iowa

2331-548: The government in Iowa City, the state decided to move the seat of state government and build the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines , a city located more toward the center of the state. When the state government moved to Des Moines in 1857, the Old Capitol Building became the first permanent building owned by the University of Iowa. The Old Capitol Building housed almost the entire university from 1857 to 1863. As

2394-647: The grade they currently had. An account of the May 1970 protests can be read in the June–July issue of the Iowa Alumni Review . In his autobiography, My Iowa Journey: The Life Story of the University of Iowa's First African American Professor , Philip Hubbard (University Vice-Provost in 1970) gives an administrator's perspective of all the protests of the 1960s. He supported the students' right to protest and in 1966 stated: "Students should not accept everything that

2457-578: The home of the first governor of Iowa, are also tourist attractions. Iowa City was created by an act of Legislative Assembly of the Iowa Territory on January 21, 1839, fulfilling the desire of Governor Robert Lucas to move the capital out of Burlington and closer to the center of the territory. This act began: An Act to locate the Seat of Government of the Territory of Iowa ... so soon as

2520-427: The north to Burlington St. in the south, and from the Iowa River eastward to Governor St. While Iowa City was selected as the territorial capital in 1839, it did not officially become the capital city until 1841; after construction on the capitol building had begun. The capitol building was completed in 1842, and the last four territorial legislatures and the first six Iowa General Assemblies met there until 1857, when

2583-410: The offices were moved out, and with the leadership of educator and conservationist Margaret Keyes the university undertook a six-year interior renovation of the building, restoring most of it back to its original condition as a government building in the 1850s, and for use as a state historical museum. It was declared a National Historic Landmark on January 7, 1976. The Old Capitol Building reopened to

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2646-493: The place shall be selected, and the consent of the United States obtained, the commissioners shall proceed to lay out a town to be called "Iowa City". Commissioners Chauncey Swan and John Ronalds met on May 1 in the small settlement of Napoleon, south of present-day Iowa City, to select a site for the new capital city. The following day the commissioners selected a site on bluffs above the Iowa River north of Napoleon, placed

2709-454: The population. There were 25,202 households, out of which 21.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.2% were married couples living together, 2% were households with same-sex couples (2000 U.S. Census), 3.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 55.6% were non-families. 33.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size

2772-437: The population. There were 27,657 households, of which 19.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.5% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 57.5% were non-families. 34.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size

2835-521: The public on July 3, 1976. The 1970s renovation restored the interior of the building to its original condition, but by the 1990s, it was apparent that the building needed exterior and structural repairs. The University of Iowa began another round of renovations to upgrade the Old Capitol Building. Part of the repairs called for asbestos to be removed from the Capitol's gold dome. On November 20, 2001, contractors using open-flame torches and heat guns on

2898-525: The recent communist coup . Students around the country protested this escalation of the Vietnam War . On May 4, the National Guard fired on students at Kent State University , killing four and wounding nine people, which ignited protests all over the country. Anti-war protests were not new to Iowa City or to elsewhere in Iowa; protests had been occurring throughout the 1960s. Spring of 1970

2961-429: The school grew, the Old Capitol remained the focal point of the university, serving as a library, chapel, and armory, and providing space for classrooms and offices. The Old Capitol sits in the middle of the Pentacrest, five buildings in an X pattern at the center of the University of Iowa 's campus. The four other buildings are Jessup Hall directly northwest of the Capitol, MacBride Hall to the northeast, MacLean Hall to

3024-430: The southwest, and Schaeffer Hall to the southeast. The state of Iowa authorized a major renovation of the building in the 1920s, and it continued to function as a classroom and office building until the 1970s. University presidents had their offices there until the 1970s. In 1970, the building needed another renovation. However, the university decided against converting the building into a modern office building. Instead,

3087-486: The spring of 1970, but Boyd said he could not abolish ROTC. The Alumni Review had an article called "ROTC: Alive and well at Iowa" in the December 1969 issue which helps provide a more complete picture of this period in history. On the evening of April 13, 2006, a confirmed EF2 tornado struck Iowa City, causing severe property damage and displacing many from their homes, including many University of Iowa students. It

3150-582: The state capital was moved to Des Moines . John F. Rague is credited with designing the Territorial Capitol Building. He had previously designed the 1837 capitol of Illinois and was supervising its construction when he got the commission to design the new Iowa capitol in 1839. He quit the Iowa project after five months, claiming his design was not followed, but the resemblance to the Illinois capitol suggests he strongly influenced

3213-563: The three commissioners who selected the site for Iowa City and the new territorial capitol; and Irving B. Weber (1900–1997), noted Iowa City historian. It is also home to the legendary monument called the "Black Angel", which is an 8.5-foot (2.6 m) tall monument for the Feldevert family erected in 1912. The facts behind the Black Angel long ago gave way to myths, superstitions and legend surrounding its mysterious change in color from

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3276-439: Was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.88. The median age in the city was 25.6 years. 14.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 33.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.7% were from 25 to 44; 17.8% were from 45 to 64; and 8.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.7% male and 50.3% female. As of the census of 2000, there were 62,220 people, 25,202 households, and 11,189 families residing in

3339-418: Was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.90. Age spread: 16.2% under the age of 18, 32.8% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 15.9% from 45 to 64, and 7.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 25 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.3 males. The median income for a household in the city was $ 34,977, and the median income for

3402-492: Was added to the MSA after the 2000 census. It had a 2000 census population of 131,676, and a 2010 population of 152,586. Iowa City is contiguous with Coralville to the northwest. University Heights is completely contained within the boundaries of Iowa City, near Kinnick Stadium . Tiffin , North Liberty , Solon , and Hills are other towns within a few miles. The Iowa City MSA and the nearby Cedar Rapids MSA are collectively

3465-399: Was admitted into the United States as the 29th state of the union. Iowa City was declared the state capital of Iowa, and the government convened in the Old Capitol Building. Oakland Cemetery was deeded to "the people of Iowa City" by the Iowa territorial legislature on February 13, 1843. The original plot was one block square, with the southwest corner at Governor and Church. Over the years

3528-534: Was considered a firetrap. The Iowa Alumni Review includes an article about the fire in which the author states: "Only the ends stayed upright. ... On the south, Lou Kelly's Writing lab bearing the sign 'another mother for peace,' escaped." There was a second, smaller fire on Saturday evening in a restroom in the East Hall Annex. By Sunday morning, President Boyd gave students the option to leave. Classes were not cancelled but students could leave and take

3591-520: Was crafted in the Old Capitol Building. The first governor of the state of Iowa was inaugurated there, and the first six Iowa general assemblies met in the building. 59 days after being admitted into the union, the state of Iowa passed legislation in the Old Capitol Building authorizing the formation of the state's first public university, the State University of Iowa, which is known today as The University of Iowa . After ten years of housing

3654-532: Was different. After the Kent State shootings, students marched on the National Guard Armory, broke windows there as well as in some downtown businesses. The City Council gave the mayor curfew powers. On May 6, there was a student boycott of classes. That night, about 400 people had a "sleep-in" in front of the Old Capitol. That night also, about 50 people broke into the Old Capitol and set off

3717-591: Was held in Iowa City, where school youths protested against coal power. Iowa City is located in eastern Iowa, along the Iowa River , on Interstate 80 , approximately 60 miles (97 km) west of the Quad Cities (Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, and Moline and Rock Island, Illinois). According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 25.28 square miles (65.47 km ), of which 25.01 square miles (64.78 km )

3780-526: Was named a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1976. In 1978 it was included as a contributing property in the Pentacrest , a historic district listed on the NRHP. John F. Rague is credited with designing the Territorial Capitol Building, although it is thought that missionary priest Father Samuel Mazzuchelli helped with the design also. Rague had previously designed the 1837 capitol of Illinois and

3843-437: Was struck by a severe hailstorm on May 18, 1997, and by tornadoes on April 13, 2006. Overall, Iowa City's tornado risk is lower than that of areas to the south and southwest, such as Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Iowa City is commonly known as a college town . It is home to the University of Iowa . The population increases during the months when the two schools are in session. As of the 2010 census, about 58.0% of adults held

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3906-423: Was supervising its construction when he got the commission to design the new Iowa capitol in 1839. He quit the Iowa project after five months, claiming his design was not followed, but the resemblance to the Illinois capitol suggests he strongly influenced the final Iowa design. One surviving 1839 sketch of the proposed capital shows a radically different layout, with two domes and a central tower. The cornerstone of

3969-448: Was the first tornado ever recorded to hit the city directly. No serious injuries were reported in the Iowa City area. Several businesses along Riverside Drive and Iowa Highway 1 were destroyed. The 134-year-old Saint Patrick's Catholic Church was heavily damaged only minutes after Holy Thursday Mass, with most of its roof destroyed. The building was ruled a total loss and has since been demolished. The downtown business district as well as

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