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The Black Angel of Iowa City

An iconic, mysterious statue in Iowa City's Oakland Cemetery, shrouded in local legends and lore.

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The Black Angel is a striking, albeit eerie, bronze statue in Iowa City's Oakland Cemetery, standing as a memorial to the Feldevert family. Erected in 1913, it has become shrouded in local legends and lore, its mysterious black color sparking countless stories and superstitions.

A brief summary to The Black Angel

  • 704 Reno St, Iowa City, Mann, Iowa, 52245, US
  • Monday 7:26 am-7:26 pm
  • Tuesday 7:26 am-7:26 pm
  • Wednesday 7:26 am-7:26 pm
  • Thursday 7:26 am-7:26 pm
  • Friday 7:26 am-7:26 pm
  • Saturday 7:26 am-7:26 pm
  • Sunday 7:26 am-7:26 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours for the best views and to avoid any spooky encounters.
  • Be respectful of the cemetery and its monuments.
  • Consider bringing a camera to capture the unique beauty and eerie atmosphere of the Black Angel.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Iowa Avenue and Clinton Street in downtown Iowa City, head north on Clinton Street. Turn right onto Market Street, then left onto Summit Street. Continue onto Brown Street, and the entrance to Oakland Cemetery will be on your left. The Black Angel is located within the cemetery grounds. The walk is approximately 1 mile and should take about 20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Iowa City Transit provides bus service to Oakland Cemetery. Check the Iowa City Transit website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. From the Iowa City Downtown Interchange, several routes may serve the cemetery or nearby. Bus service is free. From the bus stop, follow the walking directions to the Black Angel within the cemetery grounds.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Iowa City. A taxi from downtown Iowa City to Oakland Cemetery will cost approximately $10-$20, depending on the company and any surge pricing. Request a ride to the entrance of Oakland Cemetery at 1000 Brown Street, Iowa City, IA 52245. From there, follow the walking directions to the Black Angel within the cemetery grounds.

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Discover more about The Black Angel

The Black Angel, an imposing bronze statue in Iowa City's Oakland Cemetery, has captivated visitors for over a century. Standing at approximately 8.5 feet tall, the statue was commissioned by Teresa Feldevert as a memorial to her son, Eddie Dolezal, who died of meningitis at age 18, and her husband, Nicholas Feldevert. Teresa, a Bohemian immigrant and physician, hired Czech-American sculptor Mario Korbel to create the monument. The angel arrived in Iowa City in 1912 and was erected in 1913. Over time, the bronze oxidized, resulting in its distinctive greenish-black patina. This transformation, however, fueled numerous local legends. Superstitions abound, with tales of the statue darkening each Halloween, curses upon those who touch or kiss it, and other eerie claims. Despite the legends, the Black Angel remains a popular spot, with visitors leaving flowers, money, and even liquor as offerings. Some couples have even been married in front of it. The statue has also appeared in literature and film, solidifying its place as an iconic symbol of Iowa City. Oakland Cemetery, where the Black Angel resides, was established in 1843 and spans 40 acres. It serves as the final resting place for many prominent Iowa City residents. The cemetery is located adjacent to Hickory Hill Park, offering a natural backdrop to the historical site.

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