The History of Council Bluffs: Chicago of the Great Plains

May 21, 2026
$30
Looft Hall 23


Did you know in the early railroad era, Council Bluffs was the 5th largest rail center in the country? In this interactive class, discover fascinating facts and the moments that made your hometown what it is today! This class examines why we had such a railroad dominance and how the impact of that is still felt today! The mood in Council Bluffs at the close of the 19th Century was euphoric with the pervasive feeling our growth was unstoppable; the national economy revolved around railroads, and we had more of them than just about anywhere else.

Class taught by Richard Warner and Troy Stolp. Richard Warner serves as the president of the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County and vice president of the Pottawattamie County Genealogical Society. Troy Stolp serves on the board of directors of the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County.

Contact: Ashley Johnston
Phone: (712) 325-3256
Email: ce@iwcc.edu

Categories: Arts & Culture, Educational