Special thanks go to the Cedar Falls Historical Society Tour Committee: Peggy McBride, Junior McBride, Norma Braden, Helen Hoy, Rosemary Beach, Judith Cutler, Martha Waterman, Bill Lemke, Rosie Peterson, Jodi Freet, and Heather Lee. Special thanks also to the Waterloo Public Library.

We hope you enjoy your tour!

Black Hawk County was created in 1843 by the Territorial Legislature of Iowa and attached to Delaware County for judicial, election, and revenue purposes, because there were few, if any, white settlers at that time. The Sauk and Fox (Meskwaki) Indians had lived here for many years, owning the area until 1837. The County was named after the renowned Sauk Chief Black Hawk, although he never lived here.

In 1845, Black Hawk County was attached to Benton County, and in 1851 to Buchanan County, again for judicial, election and revenue purposes. Not until August 17, 1853, did Black Hawk County have its own government.

It is believed the first white man to visit Black Hawk County was a Frenchman named Gervais Paul Somaneaux. He came during the spring of 1837, left during the winter, and returned about ten years later to settle in Cedar Falls, where he lived until his death in 1850.