Taylor in Cedar Rapids in Linn County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Riverside Park
History Happened Here!
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 18, 2025
1. Riverside Park Marker
In the decades after the Civil War, many Americans commemorated the end of slavery and the Union (northern) military victory in that war. African Americans were especially influential in organizing celebrations of Union soldiers, emancipation, and the important roles blacks played in the war. In Cedar Rapids, African Americans - some of whom had personally endured slavery or fought for the Union - organized annual Memorial Day and Emancipation Day celebrations, often held here at Riverside Park. Such public celebrations honored this history and championed freedom and equality for all, an important reminder during the age of segregation and Jim Crow.
Erected by African American Museum of Iowa, City of Cedar Rapids, Coe College and the History Center.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 41° 57.99′ N, 91° 39.946′ W. Marker is in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in Linn County. It is in Taylor. It is at the intersection of C Street Southwest and A Street Southwest,
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Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Iowa. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Kosek Bandstand (approx. Ό mile away); Welcome to Novak Plaza (approx. Ό mile away); Bohemian Commercial Historic District (approx. 0.3 miles away); Historical Tablet (approx. 0.7 miles away); Virgil Powell / King Building Police Station (approx. 0.7 miles away); Sustainable Surfacing (approx. 0.7 miles away); Iowa Building (approx. 0.7 miles away); Vietnam Conflict (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cedar Rapids.
Also see . . . Riverside Park. (Submitted on July 19, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 18, 2025
2. Riverside Park Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 131 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 19, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
