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Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Located in Linn County, Iowa, Cedar Rapids was established in 1838. The 2020 derecho hit Cedar Rapids with 140 mph winds, damaging 90% of buildings. Grant Wood, painter of American Gothic, was based in Cedar Rapids.

Founded 1838 | Population 137,710 | Peak 137,710 (2024) | County Linn County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Cedar Rapids, Iowa

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1838Settlement Founded: Settlers arrive at Cedar River rapids.

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1871Quaker Oats Plant Opens: Cereal production makes Cedar Rapids a major food processing center.

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1927Grant Wood Paints: American Gothic artist based in Cedar Rapids; later paints iconic work.

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2008Historic Flood: Cedar River crests at 31.1 feet; 10 sq miles of city underwater. 1,300 blocks flooded.

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2020Derecho Storm: Inland hurricane-force winds devastate city; 140 mph gusts damage 90% of buildings.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1838 Culture

Settlement Founded

1871 Industry

Quaker Oats Plant Opens

1927 Culture

Grant Wood Paints

2008 Disaster

Historic Flood

2020 Disaster

Derecho Storm

Did You Know?

The 2020 derecho hit Cedar Rapids with 140 mph winds, damaging 90% of buildings.

Grant Wood, painter of American Gothic, was based in Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Rapids is one of the largest cereal processing cities in the world.

Cedar Rapids is located in Linn County, Iowa.

Cedar Rapids was founded in 1838.

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