The French-Canadian miner who became the first European settler in Iowa — and the namesake of its oldest city.
Julien Dubuque, born in Quebec in 1762, came to the upper Mississippi and in 1788 gained permission from the Meskwaki (Fox) to mine the lead deposits along the river — becoming the first European settler in present-day Iowa.
He worked the “Mines of Spain” and lived among the Meskwaki until his death in 1810. The city that grew on the site — Iowa's oldest — was named Dubuque in his honor.
Dubuque's settlement marks the beginning of European Iowa. His grave overlooks the Mississippi at the Mines of Spain, now a state recreation area and National Historic Landmark, and the city of Dubuque carries his name.
He is a foundational figure in Iowa history.
The French-Canadian miner who became the first European settler in Iowa — and the namesake of its oldest city.
Julien Dubuque was from Dubuque, Iowa.
1762–1810.
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