Iowa City in Johnson County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Old Capitol

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2021

1. The Old Capitol Marker

Inscription. This building
the last Capitol of Iowa Territory
became the first Capitol of the
State of Iowa December 28, 1846 and was
given to the University by
and Act of the First General Assembly
signed by Governor Ansel Briggs
February 25, 1847

This tablet is the gift of
The Class of 1910 College of
Liberal Arts

Erected by Class of 1910 College of Liberal Arts.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 28, 1846.

Location. 41° 39.679′ N, 91° 32.162′ W. Marker is in Iowa City, Iowa, in Johnson County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of North Clinton Street and Iowa Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, under the east portico, just to the right of the entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21 North Clinton Street, Iowa City IA 52242, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Old Stone Capitol (a few steps from this marker); In Memoriam (within shouting distance of this marker); Schaeffer Hall

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Old Dental Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The First State University to Admit Women on an Equal Basis with Men (about 500 feet away); Site of World's First Educational Television Station (approx. 0.2 miles away); Writers in a Café (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Brick (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Iowa City.

Regarding The Old Capitol. National Register of Historic Places #72000475; also contributing property, Pentacrest, National Register of Historic Places #78001230; also National Historic Landmark (1976).

Also see . . .
1. The Old Capitol Building. Wikipedia entry:

The Iowa constitution 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
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2021

2. The Old Capitol Marker
(marker is mounted just right of the east entrance)
years of housing 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.

(Submitted on March 22, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Old Capitol History. Old Capitol Museum website entry:

Construction of Old Capitol began with the laying of the cornerstone on July 4, 1840. By 1842, four rooms in Old Capitol were completed. The Iowa Legislative Assembly used the building for the first time in December of that year. The building was not completed until after the state government, having just appropriated $4,000 to finish construction of Old Capitol, moved to Des Moines in 1857.

(Submitted on March 22, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

National Historic Landmark Tablet image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2021

3. National Historic Landmark Tablet

Old Capitol
has been designated a
National
Historic Landmark
This site possesses national significance
in commemorating the history of the
United States of America
1976
National Park Service
United States Department of the Interior

Old Iowa Capitol (<i>east portico</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2021

4. Old Iowa Capitol (east portico)

(marker is mounted just right of entrance • National Historic Landmark tablet is mounted on front right side of staircase)

Old Iowa Capitol (<i>east elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2021

5. Old Iowa Capitol (east elevation)

Old Iowa Capitol (<i>west elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2021

6. Old Iowa Capitol (west elevation)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 194 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 22, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.