Cascade Community Trivia

Cascade is as warm and friendly as the day it saved the circus...

It has been over 100 years since the folks from Cascade rescued Al Ringling and his show from the muddy road, but the Ringlings have kept Al's promise to always admit the people of Cascade to his show free, anytime. The full story of the event is on file at the Tri-County Historical Museum. The museum holds Hall of Fame pitcher Red Faber's baseball history from 1914-1933, including the 1917 World Series in which Red pitched 4 games and won 3. If the museum isn't open, please call 563-852-3589.

Cascade Iowa History

Cascade had its first Post Office in 1839. This office served patrons from the far northern townships of Dubuque County. In just a few years, routes extended to as far away as Iowa City. The Flouring Mill owned by the Chew family, shipped its excellent product to many parts of the United States and as far away as Europe.

Cascade was the birthplace of the low wheel bicycle. Around the time of the Civil War, Charles Huntington in his Wagon Factory made a bicycle out of two small carriage wheels resembling the present bicycle, except it had no sprocket wheel or chain. For many years these bicycles could be seen around town.

In 1834, Nicholas DeLong was the first settler in Cascade. He planted crops, built a log cabin and the following year brought his family to their new home. This was just the beginning of the migration into the town. By 1858 the town had a population of nearly one thousand. There was a building boom, it was claimed that seventy-five buildings were erected during this year. Two large mills were on either side of the Maquoketa River. Many church congregations were a part of the community, four churches existed with two being erected. You could buy anything you needed on main street. Cascade was also a successful manufacturing center.

Edward Dean Cooke, United States Congressman, served from 1885 til his death in 1897. Cooke was born on a farm near Cascade, attended a country school and the Academy. At his death, fellow Senators and Representatives gave much credit to the education he received in these schools.

More on Cascade history by visiting the Historical Society

Irish in Iowa - a history of Dubuque County

Visit us again! We are compiling more complete and interesting tidbits of our very special town.