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Historic Council Bluffs State Historical Marker

Explore Iowa's past at the Historic Council Bluffs State Historical Marker, where Lewis and Clark, the Mormon Trail, and the Transcontinental Railroad converge.

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A roadside marker in Underwood, Iowa, commemorating the rich history of the Council Bluffs area, including the explorations of Lewis and Clark, the Mormon Trail, and the establishment of Council Bluffs as the eastern terminus of the Union Pacific Railroad.

A brief summary to Historic Council Bluffs State Historical Marker

  • Underwood, Iowa, 51576, US

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
  • Read the informational plaques to fully appreciate the site's history.
  • Consider exploring nearby attractions such as the Western Historic Trails Center in Council Bluffs.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If you are traveling by car, navigate to Underwood, IA 51576. From Omaha, NE, take I-80 W towards Council Bluffs. After approximately 15 miles, take exit 8 for I-680 W towards South Sioux City. Continue on I-680 W for about 12 miles, then take exit 1 for US-6 W. Follow US-6 W for about 3 miles until you reach Underwood. The Historic Council Bluffs State Historical Marker is located on the side of the road near the intersection with Main St. There is no dedicated parking lot, but you can stop briefly on the roadside to view the marker. There are several truck stops with parking in and near Underwood.

  • Public Transportation

    If using public transportation from Omaha or Council Bluffs, take a Greyhound bus or local transit to Council Bluffs, IA. From the Greyhound bus station, take a taxi or rideshare service (like Uber or Lyft) to Underwood. The distance is about 10 miles, and the fare will vary, typically costing around $15-$20. Public transportation options such as buses are available from Omaha to Des Moines for $35-$70. Bus fares within Iowa County are around $3.00. SWITA (Southwest Iowa Transit Agency) offers transportation at $2.50 per trip for the general public.

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Discover more about Historic Council Bluffs State Historical Marker

The Historic Council Bluffs State Historical Marker, located in Underwood, Iowa, stands as a testament to the region's pivotal role in American history. The Council Bluffs area witnessed significant events such as the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Mormon Trail migration, the bustling Missouri River steamboat traffic, and the burgeoning railroad industry. In 1824, Francois Guittar established the first white settlement at Trader's Point. Later, in 1846, Mormons arrived and named the community Kanesville. By 1853, the State Legislature officially changed the name to Council Bluffs. This name originates from a council held between Lewis and Clark and Native American tribes in 1804 on the west side of the river. The first steamboat arrived in 1819, marking the beginning of decades where hundreds of steamboats docked, transporting people and goods westward. Council Bluffs' significance in transportation continued to grow. In 1856, Congress authorized four railroads to cross Iowa, with two terminating in Council Bluffs. Grenville M. Dodge, a Civil War soldier and Congressman, chose Council Bluffs as his home and became the chief construction engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1869, the completion of the first transcontinental railroad connected the Union Pacific with the Central Pacific, solidifying Council Bluffs' place in history. Amelia Jenks Bloomer, a women's suffrage leader, also resided in the area. Besides lending her name to a style of clothing, she advocated for temperance and women's rights. Today, the marker serves as a reminder of these important historical events, inviting visitors to reflect on the area's vibrant past.

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