Editing Maquoketa, Iowa (section)

== History ==
[[John E. Goodenow]], the inaugural settler in the region, arrived in what is now recognized as Maquoketa in 1838. He established his residence on the present-day southeast corner of Main and Platt streets, erecting a cabin in that vicinity. By 1840, Zalmon Livermore had acquired the quarter section on the northeast corner of this intersection, while Alonzo Spaulding claimed the northwest corner, and John Shaw occupied the southwest corner. The center of today's business district was originally the epicenter of this early settlement, known at the time as Springfield. The town's growth was propelled by two key factors: its strategic location at the intersection of the Davenport-to-Dubuque mail and stage route, as well as its proximity to the path used by pioneers traveling from Chicago to the west. Additionally, the abundance of water in the area facilitated the development of industries along the North and South Forks of the Maquoketa River.<ref name=":0">https://www.maquoketaia.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif8316/f/uploads/maquoketa_commercial_hd_snrc.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>

Around 1840, the mail route between Davenport and Dubuque was established through Springfield, located on what is now Main Street in Maquoketa. Consequently, the post office moved to Springfield, with John Goodenow appointed as postmaster. In 1844, due to multiple towns named Springfield in the area, the town was renamed Maquoketa, after the [[Maquoketa River]].<ref name="history">{{cite book |author=Chicago and North Western Railway Company |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OspBAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA98 |title=A History of the Origin of the Place Names Connected with the Chicago & North Western and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railways |year=1908 |page=98}}</ref>  The river's name derives from ''Maquaw-Autaw'', which means "Bear River" in [[Fox language|Meskwaki]].<ref>{{cite news |date=May 12, 1870 |title=Maquoketa as the Centre of Trade |work=Maquoketa Jackson Sentinel}}</ref>

As other nearby towns declined, Maquoketa emerged as the primary center of commerce. In 1843, early settlers began dividing their land into lots informally, resulting in the irregular lot sizes seen in the modern business district. With the increasing settlement and the importance of the mail route, demand for lodging grew. In 1849, John Goodenow built the Goodenow House, the town's first hotel, near Main and Platt streets, drawing visitors and showcasing Maquoketa's potential for growth.<ref name=":0"/>

The [[Davenport and St. Paul Railroad]] was extended to Maquoketa in 1870 prompting growth.<ref name="jackson">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HHwUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA557 | title=History of Jackson County, Iowa, Volume 1 | publisher=S.J. Clarke Publishing Company | year=1910 | pages=557}}</ref> The county seat was transferred from [[Andrew, Iowa|Andrew]] to Maquoketa in 1873.<ref name="jackson" />

Maquoketa experienced a period of economic growth during the late 19th century, primarily due to its location near valuable natural resources such as timber, limestone, and fertile farmland. As the town prospered, wealthy residents sought to display their affluence through the construction of grand homes many of which are still extant within the community.

The onset of the First World War in 1917 significantly affected the commercial district. Numerous businesses experienced the loss of young male employees, either through voluntary enlistment or compulsory military service. Upon the war's conclusion in 1918, returning soldiers were ceremoniously welcomed home with parades along Main Street.<ref name=":0" />

Following the stock market crash of 1929, the Great Depression brought a halt to construction activity in the commercial district. The American Savings Bank closed its doors, leading to the renovation of its building at 100 S. Main Street in 1935. The revamped structure housed a National Tea Company grocery store on the ground floor and served as meeting space for the American Legion above. This renovation, which included the removal of classical pilasters and the installation of modern storefront materials, signaled a shift in the district's architectural landscape. Despite these changes, Maquoketa experienced relatively moderate economic effects compared to other regions, likely due to its strategic location at the intersection of two commercial highways.<ref name=":0"/>

After World War II, Maquoketa, Iowa experienced a surge in residential construction, particularly on the west side of town. Many of these homes were constructed on old farmland, This rapid suburbanization not only met the housing needs of the time but also contributed to the town's post-war growth and prosperity.

In 1950, Maquoketa, Iowa, reached a significant milestone in its healthcare infrastructure by constructing its first public hospital. Prior to this development, the town had relied on a patchwork of privately-run small hospitals to meet the healthcare needs of its residents. These small hospitals, while providing essential services, often faced limitations in terms of capacity, resources, and accessibility.

Maquoketa experienced another pivotal moment with the relocation of the Clinton Machine Company to the city in 1950. Don Thomas spearheaded this move, establishing the company on a 12-acre plot within Maquoketa, strategically leveraging a rail spur for transportation. Clinton Engines, a division of the company, became a powerhouse, producing approximately 18 million small engines and ranking as the 10th largest employer in Iowa.

In the 1960s, Maquoketa, Iowa witnessed the emergence of a new commercial district. Main Street, formerly part of US Highway 61, underwent a significant transformation with the planning and construction of a four-lane highway bypass starting in the late 1960s. As the bypass project progressed, many businesses along Main Street made plans to relocate to the west side of town in anticipation of increased automobile traffic from the highway. Following the opening of the Highway 61 bypass in 1967, there was a notable shift in commercial activity away from Main Street towards the new commercial district. Despite this disinvestment in the Main Street area, property owners remained committed to maintaining the integrity of the existing buildings, ensuring they remained in good repair.<ref name=":0"/>

During the 1980s, many towns in Jackson County, Iowa, faced significant challenges, particularly due to the farm crisis that devastated rural communities across the region. While the county as a whole experienced population declines and economic hardships, Maquoketa saw only minor decreases in its population. Nevertheless, the farm crisis did have negative repercussions for Maquoketa, impacting local agricultural businesses and contributing to a sense of economic uncertainty within the community.

In 1999 the town was bypassed by the now four lane Highway Sixty-One, further diverting traffic away from the downtown area.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US 61 |url=https://www.iowahighways.org/highways/us61.html |access-date=2024-02-04 |website=www.iowahighways.org}}</ref> This highway bypass had detrimental effects on Maquoketa's economy, as it resulted in decreased traffic flow through the town center, affecting local businesses that relied on passing trade. Additionally, the bypass diminished Maquoketa's visibility and accessibility, further exacerbating economic challenges for the community. Despite these setbacks, Maquoketa persisted in its efforts to adapt and evolve, seeking new avenues for economic growth and community development in the face of adversity.

The early 2000s posed significant economic challenges for Maquoketa, Iowa, exacerbating the struggles of its downtown district. Already grappling with vacant storefronts and declining economic activity, the town faced further hardship during this period including the closure of the Clinton Engines Company.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Community {{!}} Maquoketa, IA |url=https://www.maquoketaia.com/community#:~:text=The%20founding%20story%20of%20Maquoketa,As%20such,%20recorded%20plats%20began. |access-date=2024-02-04 |website=www.maquoketaia.com}}</ref> However, the most devastating blow came on January 19, 2008, when a large portion of the downtown area, already struggling, succumbed to a devastating fire. While tragic, this event served as a catalyst for change, sparking renewed efforts to revitalize the downtown district and enhance the overall community.

Beginning in the 2010s, Maquoketa experienced a wave of revitalization, marked by the attraction of new businesses, significant infrastructure investments, and a renewed focus on preserving its historic downtown district.

One notable development was the construction of a new hospital in 2019, enhancing healthcare services for residents.  Additionally, Maquoketa embarked on ambitious housing initiatives, including the construction of new housing developments to meet the growing demand for residential properties.