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Burlington City Information
Heritage Hill National Historic District
Named to the National Register of Historic Places in December of 1982, Heritage Hill lines the northern sector of downtown Burlington. Convenient access to commercial and cultural activities made the Hill socially desirable during the status-conscious period of 1870-1900.
In its earlier years, Heritage Hill had a high concentration of German families, as evidenced by close proximity of three German-speaking churches. Nearly 160 structures reflect many architectural periods and styles, including Late Victorian Greek and Gothic Revivals, Italian Villa, Queen Anne and Georgian.
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad
The first railroad in Burlington, the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad opened to East Burlington (now Gulfport, IL) in May 1855. A single-track railroad bridge was opened in 1868, and was replaced by the current double track bridge in 1892.
West Jefferson Street National Historic District
Named to the National Register of Historic Places in April of 1991, this district consists of 49 key buildings. The mostly two and three story masonry structures offer a visual perspective of Burlington's "Main Street" from the Civil War era through the 20th Century. Self-guided audio cassette tours are available at the Port of Burlington Welcome Center.
Aspen Grove Cemetery
Visit Burlington's oldest cemetery which is also home to a Veteran's Memorial. While visiting, you can see the grave sites of some of Burlington's most prominent leaders.
Lieutenant Zebulon Pike
In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson organized two parties of explorers to map out the Louisiana Purchase. Lewis and Clark followed the Missouri River, while Lt. Zebulon Pike followed the Mississippi River. In 1805, Pike landed at the bluffs below present day Crapo Park and raised the Stars and Stripes for the first time on Iowa soil.
Territorial Capitol
Burlington was the first capitol of the Iowa Territory from 1838 to 1840, and the second capitol of the Wisconsin Territory prior to that, 1837 to 1838. Although this historic building no longer exists, a historical marker may be found at its site on Third and Columbia Streets.
Snake Alley
The Physical limitations and steep elevation of Heritage Hill inspired the construction of Snake Alley in 1894. Three men of German heritage carried out the concept of Snake Alley: Charles Starker, an architect and landscape engineer; William Steyh, the city engineer; and George Kriechbaum, a paving contractor.
The alley originally provided a short cut from Heritage Hill to the business district. Bricks were laid at an angle to allow horses better footing as they descended. Unfortunately, riding horses back up the alley often resulted in a loss of control at the top.
Des Moines County Historical Society Museums
The Apple Trees Museum
1616 Dill Street
Located in part of the old Charles Perkins home, this museum houses the growing collection of the Des Moines County Historical Society.
It features Burlington memorabilia, Native American artifacts and other impressive displays. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. May through October.
Hawkeye Log Cabin
Crapo Park
Located in Crapo Park, this unique museum features pioneer-era furniture and tools.
Open Saturdays and Sundays
1:30 - 4:30 p.m. May through October.
Phelps House Museum
512 Columbia Street
Located at the top of Snake Alley, this elegant Victorian house features furnishings dating from 1774. Don't miss the "Medical Memories" display, in honor of the years this historic building housed Burlington's first Protestant hospital. Open Saturdays and Sundays 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. May through October.
$2.00 per person museum admission for group tours, alternate times available, for more information call (319) 753-2449.
Burlington Free Public Library
501 North Fourth Street
(319) 753-1647
The oldest public library in Iowa, this building's architecture shows influences of Italian Villa, Renaissance Revival and Georgian Revival. It was built from 1896 to 1898 and houses a unique art collection.
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