Waterloo, Iowa
Encyclopedia
Waterloo is a city in and the county seat
of Black Hawk County
, Iowa, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census the population decreased by 0.5% to 68,406. Waterloo is part of the Waterloo – Cedar Falls
Metropolitan Statistical Area
, and is the more populous of the two cities.
American tribal seasonal camps alongside the Cedar River. It was first settled in 1845 when George and Mary Melrose Hanna and their children arrived on the east bank of the Red Cedar River (now just called the Cedar River). They were followed by the Virden and Mullan families in 1846. Evidence of these earliest families can still be found in the street names Hanna Blvd., Mullan Avenue and Virden Creek.
On December 8, 1845 the Iowa State Register and Waterloo Herald was the first newspaper published in Waterloo.
The name "Waterloo" supplanted the original name, "Prairie Rapids Crossing" shortly after Charles Mullan petitioned for a post office in the town. Since the signed petition did not include the name of the proposed post office location, Mullan was charged with selecting the name when he submitted the petition. Tradition has it that as he flipped through a list of other post offices in the United States, he came upon the name "Waterloo." The name struck his fancy, and on December 29, 1851, a post office was established under that name. The town was later called the same, and Mullan served as the first postmaster from December 29, 1851 until August 11, 1854.
There were two extended periods of rapid growth over the next 115 years. From 1895 to 1915, the population increased from 8,490 to 33,097, a 290% increase. From 1925 to 1960, population increased from 36,771 to 71,755. The 1895 to 1915 period was a time of the rapid growth in manufacturing, rail transportation and wholesale operations. During this period the Waterloo Gasoline Traction Engine Company moved to Waterloo and shortly after Rath Packing Company moved from Dubuque
. Another major employer throughout the first two-thirds of the 20th century was the Illinois Central Railroad
. Among the others was the less-successful brass era automobile manufacturer, the Maytag-Mason Motor Company
.
On June 7, 1934, bank robber Tommy Carroll
had a shoot-out with the FBI when he and his wife stopped to pick up gas. Accidentally parking next to a police car and wasting time dropping his gun and picking it back up, Carroll was forced to flee into an alley where he was shot. Carroll was then taken to Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, where he died shortly after.
Waterloo suffered particularly hard in the agricultural recession of the 1980s, due to the major employers at the time being heavily rooted in agriculture. In particular, John Deere, the area's largest employer, cut 10,000 jobs, and the Rath meatpacking plant closed altogether, losing 2500 jobs. It is estimated Waterloo lost 14% of its population during this time. Today the city enjoys a broader industrial base, as city leaders have sought to diversify the industrial and commercial mix. Deere remains a strong presence in the city, but employs only roughly one-third the number of people it did at its peak.
area had ever recorded; other major floods include the Great Flood of 1993
. The flood control system constructed in the 1970s–90s largely functioned as designed.
For those areas not protected by the system, the Cedar River poured out of its banks and into parking lots, backyards and across the rich Iowa farmland surrounding the city. Although much damage was done, the larger, downstream city of Cedar Rapids was much harder hit.
An area of the west side of the down-town and an area near the former Rath Packing facility were impacted not directly by water coming from the river but were the result of storm run-off draining towards the river but then being trapped on the backside of the flood levy system. These areas did not have lift stations or alternate pumping capacity sufficient to force this water to the river side of the control system. Areas where lift stations had been constructed (Virden Creek and East 7th Street ) to pump this storm run-off into the swollen river remained largely dry (the east and north sides of down-town). Several areas experienced water seeping into basements due to high water-table levels.
Historical Crests
According to the National Weather Service the ten highest crests of the Cedar River recorded at East 7th Street in downtown Waterloo:
Crests reported in the 1960s and prior were before completion of major flood control projects and therefore may not be directly comparable.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 62 square miles (160.6 km²), of which, 60.7 square miles (157.2 km²) of it is land and 1.3 square miles (3.4 km²) of it (2.06%) is water.
The average elevation
of Waterloo is 846 feet above sea level
. The population density is 1101 people per square mile, considered low for an urban area.
, there were 68,747 people, 28,169 households, and 17,746 families residing in the city. The population density was 1131.9 PD/sqmi. There were 29,499 housing units at an average density of 485.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 79.2% White, 14.5% African American, 1.1% Asian, 1.9% from other races
, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.2% of the population.
There were 28,169 households out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.0% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.0% were non-families. 30.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.7% under the age of 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 92.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $34,092, and the median income for a family was $42,731. Males had a median income of $31,491 versus $22,569 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,558. About 10.0% of families and 13.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.6% of those under age 18 and 10.5% of those age 65 or over.
It should be noted Waterloo's real population is much larger, as most former residential areas have turned to industrial areas. Residential areas for Waterloo have been pushed out into the neighboring communities and towns, as many small towns line Waterloo's City limits. A large Bosnian population was relocated by the federal government to Waterloo, however most of these families did not participate in the 2000 or 2010 census.
consists of Black Hawk
, Bremer, and Grundy
counties. The area had a 2000 census population of 163,706 and a 2008 estimated population of 164,220.
Waterloo is next to Cedar Falls
, home to the University of Northern Iowa
. Small suburbs include Evansdale
, Hudson
, Raymond, Elk Run Heights
, Gilbertville, and Washburn.
The largest employers in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls MSA, according to the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance, as of October 2006 include (in order): John Deere
, Covenant Medical Center, Tyson Fresh Meats
, the University of Northern Iowa
, Allen Hospital
, Waterloo Community Schools, Omega Cabinets and Bertch Cabinets. The complete list can be found at: http://www.cvedc.com/index_facts.html
The permanent collection at the WCA includes artwork featuring the largest collection of Haitian Art in the country, Midwest Regionalist Art (including works by Grant Wood & Thomas Hart Benton), Mexican Folk Art, International Folk Art, American Decorative Arts, and Public Art.
. The district is a nonprofit educational entity that is active in engaging the students and all people from the surrounding communities. The district is accredited by the American Association of Museums
.
. The current building was completed and opened to the public as a not for profit museum in 1956.
. Rensselaer and Caroline Russell built the house utilizing Italianate architecture
in 1861 for $5,878.83.
opened in 1993 and provides both interactive exhibits and formal demonstrations in various fields of science.
's Presidential candidacy announcement on June 27, 2011.
The library is governed by a board of trustees, nominated by the city mayor and confirmed by the city council: Sue Smith, Jan Hahn, Troyce Vich, Karol Erdmann, and Alex Crouse. The library is directed by Sheryl McGovern, MLS.
The Waterloo Public Library is located in a renovated Great Depression era building that served as a post office and federal building. The building was renovated in the late 1970s for use as a library. In 2011, the Waterloo Public Library celebrates 30 years at its current Commercial Street location.
Two New Deal-funded murals by artist Edgar Britton are on display at the library. "Exposition" is an image of the National Cattle Congress, and "Holiday" is of a picnic."
Waterloo is administered by the mayor and council system of government. One council member is elected from each of Waterloo's five wards, and two are elected at-large. The current mayor is Buck Clark, his predecessor was Timothy J. Hurley.
is located in Waterloo. Neighboring Cedar Falls is home to the University of Northern Iowa
.
The three public high schools in the city are Waterloo West High School
, Waterloo East High School
, and Expo High School. West's school mascot is the "Wahawk", a contraction of Waterloo and Black Hawk (the city and county names), and its colors are old rose and black. Its most famous alumnus is former amateur wrestler and coach Dan Gable
. Its current principal is Dr. Gail Moon. East's school mascot is the "Trojan", a warrior from the ancient city Troy
, and its colors are orange and black. Dr. Willie Barney is the current principal. Expo is an alternative high school. Its current principal is Brenton Shavers. Waterloo's only private high school is Columbus Catholic High School
, which is supported by the Catholic parishes of Waterloo and Cedar Falls. Columbus' mascot is the "Sailor", a connection to the school's namesake Christopher Columbus
, and its school colors are green and white. There is also a wide array of elementary and junior high schools in the area, with open enrollment available.
. U.S. Highways 20
, 63
, and 218
and Iowa Highway 21
, also run through the metropolitan area. The Avenue of the Saints
runs through Waterloo.
Delta Air Lines
provides non-stop air service to and from Minneapolis/St. Paul from the Waterloo Regional Airport
.
Waterloo is served by a metropolitan bus system (MET). MET serves most areas of Cedar Falls and Waterloo. Most routes meet at the central bus station in downtown Waterloo. The system operates Monday – Saturday. During the week the earliest bus is at 5:45 am from downtown Waterloo and the last bus arriving downtown at 6:40 pm. Service is more limited on Saturdays.
Waterloo is served by one daily intercity bus arrival and departure to Chicago and Des Moines
. Service is provided by Burlington Trailways
. New service to/from Mason City
and Minneapolis/St. Paul provided by Jefferson Lines
started in the Fall of 2009.
There are currently four taxi operators in Waterloo and Cedar Falls. They are: First Call, Yellow, City Cab, and the newest is Cedar Valley Cab.
supplies the Waterloo residents and businesses with electricity and natural gas. The Waterloo Water Works supplies potable water
with a capacity of 50,400,000 GPD (gallons per day) with an average use of 13,400,000 GPD and a peak use of 28,800,000 GPD. Sanitation
service (sewage) is operated by the city of Waterloo with a capacity of 36,500,000 GPD and an average use of 14,000,000 GPD.
Historic
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Black Hawk County
Black Hawk County, Iowa
-2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 131,090 in the county, with a population density of . There were 55,887 housing units, of which 52,470 were occupied.-2000 census:...
, Iowa, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census the population decreased by 0.5% to 68,406. Waterloo is part of the Waterloo – Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Cedar Falls is a city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States, and it is home to one of Iowa's three public universities, the University of Northern Iowa. The population was 39,260 in the 2010 census, an increase from the 36,145 population in the 2000 census...
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Waterloo-Cedar Falls metropolitan area
The Waterloo–Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, is an area consisting of three counties in Iowa, anchored by the cities of Waterloo and Cedar Falls...
, and is the more populous of the two cities.
History
Waterloo was originally known as Prairie Rapids Crossing. The town was established, according to the original researcher as reported by staff of the Grout Museum in Waterloo, near two MeskwakiMeskwaki
The Meskwaki are a Native American people often known to outsiders as the Fox tribe. They have often been closely linked to the Sauk people. In their own language, the Meskwaki call themselves Meshkwahkihaki, which means "the Red-Earths." Historically their homelands were in the Great Lakes region...
American tribal seasonal camps alongside the Cedar River. It was first settled in 1845 when George and Mary Melrose Hanna and their children arrived on the east bank of the Red Cedar River (now just called the Cedar River). They were followed by the Virden and Mullan families in 1846. Evidence of these earliest families can still be found in the street names Hanna Blvd., Mullan Avenue and Virden Creek.
On December 8, 1845 the Iowa State Register and Waterloo Herald was the first newspaper published in Waterloo.
The name "Waterloo" supplanted the original name, "Prairie Rapids Crossing" shortly after Charles Mullan petitioned for a post office in the town. Since the signed petition did not include the name of the proposed post office location, Mullan was charged with selecting the name when he submitted the petition. Tradition has it that as he flipped through a list of other post offices in the United States, he came upon the name "Waterloo." The name struck his fancy, and on December 29, 1851, a post office was established under that name. The town was later called the same, and Mullan served as the first postmaster from December 29, 1851 until August 11, 1854.
There were two extended periods of rapid growth over the next 115 years. From 1895 to 1915, the population increased from 8,490 to 33,097, a 290% increase. From 1925 to 1960, population increased from 36,771 to 71,755. The 1895 to 1915 period was a time of the rapid growth in manufacturing, rail transportation and wholesale operations. During this period the Waterloo Gasoline Traction Engine Company moved to Waterloo and shortly after Rath Packing Company moved from Dubuque
Dubuque, Iowa
Dubuque is a city in and the county seat of Dubuque County, Iowa, United States, located along the Mississippi River. In 2010 its population was 57,637, making it the ninth-largest city in the state and the county's population was 93,653....
. Another major employer throughout the first two-thirds of the 20th century was the Illinois Central Railroad
Illinois Central Railroad
The Illinois Central Railroad , sometimes called the Main Line of Mid-America, is a railroad in the central United States, with its primary routes connecting Chicago, Illinois with New Orleans, Louisiana and Birmingham, Alabama. A line also connected Chicago with Sioux City, Iowa...
. Among the others was the less-successful brass era automobile manufacturer, the Maytag-Mason Motor Company
Maytag-Mason Motor Company
The Maytag-Mason Motor Company of Waterloo, Iowa manufactured Maytag automobiles from 1910 to 1915. The company's founder was Frederick Louis Maytag I, who is better known for his development of the Maytag washing machine company....
.
On June 7, 1934, bank robber Tommy Carroll
Tommy Carroll (criminal)
Thomas Leonard "Tommy" Carroll was an American bank robber and Depression-era outlaw. A boxer-turned-criminal, he committed numerous robberies during the 1920s and 30s as well as being a longtime member of the Dillinger gang....
had a shoot-out with the FBI when he and his wife stopped to pick up gas. Accidentally parking next to a police car and wasting time dropping his gun and picking it back up, Carroll was forced to flee into an alley where he was shot. Carroll was then taken to Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, where he died shortly after.
Waterloo suffered particularly hard in the agricultural recession of the 1980s, due to the major employers at the time being heavily rooted in agriculture. In particular, John Deere, the area's largest employer, cut 10,000 jobs, and the Rath meatpacking plant closed altogether, losing 2500 jobs. It is estimated Waterloo lost 14% of its population during this time. Today the city enjoys a broader industrial base, as city leaders have sought to diversify the industrial and commercial mix. Deere remains a strong presence in the city, but employs only roughly one-third the number of people it did at its peak.
Flood of 2008
June 2008 saw the worst flooding in the Waterloo – Cedar FallsCedar Falls, Iowa
Cedar Falls is a city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States, and it is home to one of Iowa's three public universities, the University of Northern Iowa. The population was 39,260 in the 2010 census, an increase from the 36,145 population in the 2000 census...
area had ever recorded; other major floods include the Great Flood of 1993
Great Flood of 1993
The Great Mississippi and Missouri Rivers Flood of 1993 occurred in the American Midwest, along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and their tributaries, from April to October 1993. The flood was among the most costly and devastating to ever occur in the United States, with $15 billion in damages...
. The flood control system constructed in the 1970s–90s largely functioned as designed.
For those areas not protected by the system, the Cedar River poured out of its banks and into parking lots, backyards and across the rich Iowa farmland surrounding the city. Although much damage was done, the larger, downstream city of Cedar Rapids was much harder hit.
An area of the west side of the down-town and an area near the former Rath Packing facility were impacted not directly by water coming from the river but were the result of storm run-off draining towards the river but then being trapped on the backside of the flood levy system. These areas did not have lift stations or alternate pumping capacity sufficient to force this water to the river side of the control system. Areas where lift stations had been constructed (Virden Creek and East 7th Street ) to pump this storm run-off into the swollen river remained largely dry (the east and north sides of down-town). Several areas experienced water seeping into basements due to high water-table levels.
Historical Crests
According to the National Weather Service the ten highest crests of the Cedar River recorded at East 7th Street in downtown Waterloo:
(1)27.01 ft on June 11, 2008 (2)21.86 ft on March 29, 1961 (3)21.67 ft on April 8, 1965 (4)20.78 ft on July 23, 1999 (5)20.60 ft on June 2, 1993 |
(6)20.54 ft on April 2, 1993 (7)20.15 ft on June 29, 1969 (8)20.00 ft on March 16, 1929 (9)19.50 ft on April 2, 1933 (10) 19.26 ft on March 31, 1962 |
Crests reported in the 1960s and prior were before completion of major flood control projects and therefore may not be directly comparable.
Geography
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 62 square miles (160.6 km²), of which, 60.7 square miles (157.2 km²) of it is land and 1.3 square miles (3.4 km²) of it (2.06%) is water.
The average elevation
Elevation
The elevation of a geographic location is its height above a fixed reference point, most commonly a reference geoid, a mathematical model of the Earth's sea level as an equipotential gravitational surface ....
of Waterloo is 846 feet above sea level
Sea level
Mean sea level is a measure of the average height of the ocean's surface ; used as a standard in reckoning land elevation...
. The population density is 1101 people per square mile, considered low for an urban area.
Climate
| Monthly Normal, Record High and Low Temperatures, and precipitation | ||||||||||||
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rec High °F | 65 | 66 | 87 | 100 | 94 | 103 | 105 | 105 | 98 | 95 | 80 | 67 |
| Norm High °F | 25.8 | 31.9 | 45 | 59.7 | 72.2 | 81.7 | 85 | 82.8 | 75.3 | 62.5 | 45 | 30.7 |
| Norm Low °F | 6.3 | 13.2 | 24.9 | 35.8 | 48.1 | 58.1 | 62.2 | 59.5 | 49.8 | 37.8 | 25.1 | 12.5 |
| Rec Low °F | −41 (−81 wc) | −47 | −34 | −4 | 22 | 38 | 42 | 38 | 22 | 11 | −17 | −29 |
| Precip (in) | 0.84 | 1.05 | 2.13 | 3.23 | 4.15 | 4.82 | 4.2 | 4.08 | 2.95 | 2.49 | 2.1 | 1.11 |
| Source: USTravelWeather.com | ||||||||||||
Demographics
Waterloo 2000 Census
As of the 2000 censusUnited States Census, 2000
The Twenty-second United States Census, known as Census 2000 and conducted by the Census Bureau, determined the resident population of the United States on April 1, 2000, to be 281,421,906, an increase of 13.2% over the 248,709,873 persons enumerated during the 1990 Census...
, there were 68,747 people, 28,169 households, and 17,746 families residing in the city. The population density was 1131.9 PD/sqmi. There were 29,499 housing units at an average density of 485.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 79.2% White, 14.5% African American, 1.1% Asian, 1.9% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.2% of the population.
There were 28,169 households out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.0% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.0% were non-families. 30.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.7% under the age of 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 92.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $34,092, and the median income for a family was $42,731. Males had a median income of $31,491 versus $22,569 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,558. About 10.0% of families and 13.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.6% of those under age 18 and 10.5% of those age 65 or over.
It should be noted Waterloo's real population is much larger, as most former residential areas have turned to industrial areas. Residential areas for Waterloo have been pushed out into the neighboring communities and towns, as many small towns line Waterloo's City limits. A large Bosnian population was relocated by the federal government to Waterloo, however most of these families did not participate in the 2000 or 2010 census.
Metropolitan area
The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical AreaWaterloo-Cedar Falls metropolitan area
The Waterloo–Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, is an area consisting of three counties in Iowa, anchored by the cities of Waterloo and Cedar Falls...
consists of Black Hawk
Black Hawk County, Iowa
-2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 131,090 in the county, with a population density of . There were 55,887 housing units, of which 52,470 were occupied.-2000 census:...
, Bremer, and Grundy
Grundy County, Iowa
-2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 12,453 in the county, with a population density of . There were 5,530 housing units, of which 5,131 were occupied.-2000 census:...
counties. The area had a 2000 census population of 163,706 and a 2008 estimated population of 164,220.
Waterloo is next to Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Cedar Falls is a city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States, and it is home to one of Iowa's three public universities, the University of Northern Iowa. The population was 39,260 in the 2010 census, an increase from the 36,145 population in the 2000 census...
, home to the University of Northern Iowa
University of Northern Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa is a college located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, United States. UNI offers more than 120 majors across the colleges of Business Administration, Education, Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences, and Social and Behavioral sciences, and graduate college.UNI has...
. Small suburbs include Evansdale
Evansdale, Iowa
Evansdale is a city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States. The population was 4,751 in the 2010 census, an increase from 4,526 in the 2000 census. It is part of the Waterloo–Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
, Hudson
Hudson, Iowa
Hudson is a city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States. The population was 2,117 at the 2000 census. Hudson has grown in recent years as a suburb of Waterloo and Cedar Falls. It is part of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area....
, Raymond, Elk Run Heights
Elk Run Heights, Iowa
Elk Run Heights is a city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,052 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Waterloo–Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Elk Run Heights is located at ....
, Gilbertville, and Washburn.
The largest employers in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls MSA, according to the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance, as of October 2006 include (in order): John Deere
John Deere
John Deere was an American blacksmith and manufacturer who founded Deere & Company, one of the largest and leading agricultural and construction equipment manufacturers in the world...
, Covenant Medical Center, Tyson Fresh Meats
Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. is a multinational corporation based in Springdale, Arkansas, that operates in the food industry. The company is the world's second largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork only behind Brazilian JBS S.A., and annually exports the largest percentage of beef out of...
, the University of Northern Iowa
University of Northern Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa is a college located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, United States. UNI offers more than 120 majors across the colleges of Business Administration, Education, Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences, and Social and Behavioral sciences, and graduate college.UNI has...
, Allen Hospital
Allen Hospital
Allen Hospital is a 228-bed, not-for-profit community hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. The hospital, located at 1825 Logan Ave, is one of three hospitals located in the Waterloo - Cedar Falls, Iowa area, and is part of the Iowa Health System.-Services:...
, Waterloo Community Schools, Omega Cabinets and Bertch Cabinets. The complete list can be found at: http://www.cvedc.com/index_facts.html
Waterloo Center for the Arts
The Waterloo Center for the Arts (WCA) is a regional center for visual and performance arts. The WCA is owned and operated by the City of Waterloo with oversight by the advisory Waterloo Cultural and Arts Commission. The Center is located at 225 Commercial Street in Waterloo. It is also an anchor for the Waterloo Cultural and Arts District (a State of Iowa designation).The permanent collection at the WCA includes artwork featuring the largest collection of Haitian Art in the country, Midwest Regionalist Art (including works by Grant Wood & Thomas Hart Benton), Mexican Folk Art, International Folk Art, American Decorative Arts, and Public Art.
The Phelps Youth Pavilion
Included in the WCA is the Phelps Youth Pavilion (PYP) which opened in 2009. The PYP is an interactive children’s museum where art launches a world of wonder, discovery & learning for children as well as adults. PYP also provides additional gallery and studio space. Scheduled for completion in 2011 is an outdoor riverfront plaza and amphitheater.Hope Martin Theatre
The WCA also oversees the Waterloo Community Playhouse, the oldest community theatre in Iowa operating since 1916, and the Black Hawk Children's Theatre started in 1982. Both perform in the Hope Martin Theatre which opened in 1965.Grout Museum District
Established in 1932, the district started with an endowment set up in the will of Henry W. GroutHenry W. Grout
The Honorable Henry Whittemore Grout was a financier, state legislator, and philanthropist from Waterloo, Iowa. The Grout Museum is one of his legacies.- External links :*...
. The district is a nonprofit educational entity that is active in engaging the students and all people from the surrounding communities. The district is accredited by the American Association of Museums
American Association of Museums
The American Association of Museums is a non-profit association that has brought museums together since its founding in 1906, helping develop standards and best practices, gathering and sharing knowledge, and advocating on issues of concern to the museum community...
.
Grout Museum of History & Science
The first museum which would grow into the museum district was displayed for many years in the building that was the local YMCAYMCA
The Young Men's Christian Association is a worldwide organization of more than 45 million members from 125 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs...
. The current building was completed and opened to the public as a not for profit museum in 1956.
Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum
Opened in November 2008 at a cost of eleven million dollars funded in part by a grassroots campaign by average citizens.Rensselaer Russell House Museum
The Rensselaer Russell House, located at 520 W. 3rd Street in Waterloo, Iowa. Built in 1858, it is listed on the National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
. Rensselaer and Caroline Russell built the house utilizing Italianate architecture
Italianate architecture
The Italianate style of architecture was a distinct 19th-century phase in the history of Classical architecture. In the Italianate style, the models and architectural vocabulary of 16th-century Italian Renaissance architecture, which had served as inspiration for both Palladianism and...
in 1861 for $5,878.83.
Bluedorn Science Imaginarium
The Carl A. and Peggy J. Bluedorn Science ImaginariumImaginarium
An imaginarium refers to a place devoted to the imagination. There are various types of imaginariums, centers largely devoted to stimulating and cultivating the imagination, towards scientific, artistic, commercial, recreational, or spiritual ends....
opened in 1993 and provides both interactive exhibits and formal demonstrations in various fields of science.
Snowden House
A two-story brick Victorian era house listed on the National Register of Historic Places was built in 1875. The house was once used as the Waterloo Woman's Club. The front lawn of the house was used for Michele BachmannMichele Bachmann
Michele Marie Bachmann is a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, representing , a post she has held since 2007. The district includes several of the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities, such as Woodbury, and Blaine as well as Stillwater and St. Cloud.She is currently a...
's Presidential candidacy announcement on June 27, 2011.
Library
Waterloo has one central public library. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, there were 274,903 patron visits resulted in circulation of 441,746 items. The total collection consisted of 168,295 items. The library’s reference services, supported by seven full-time-equivalent librarians, answered 70,000 questions. The library’s 43 public access computers provided over 108,430 sessions for patrons.The library is governed by a board of trustees, nominated by the city mayor and confirmed by the city council: Sue Smith, Jan Hahn, Troyce Vich, Karol Erdmann, and Alex Crouse. The library is directed by Sheryl McGovern, MLS.
The Waterloo Public Library is located in a renovated Great Depression era building that served as a post office and federal building. The building was renovated in the late 1970s for use as a library. In 2011, the Waterloo Public Library celebrates 30 years at its current Commercial Street location.
Two New Deal-funded murals by artist Edgar Britton are on display at the library. "Exposition" is an image of the National Cattle Congress, and "Holiday" is of a picnic."
Government
- See also: Waterloo Police Department
Waterloo is administered by the mayor and council system of government. One council member is elected from each of Waterloo's five wards, and two are elected at-large. The current mayor is Buck Clark, his predecessor was Timothy J. Hurley.
Education
Hawkeye Community CollegeHawkeye Community College
Hawkeye Community College is a community college, with its main campus located just outside Waterloo, Iowa. Hawkeye has several outlying centers in Cedar Falls, Independence, Grundy County, Waverly, and Waterloo. The college serves all of parts of Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler,...
is located in Waterloo. Neighboring Cedar Falls is home to the University of Northern Iowa
University of Northern Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa is a college located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, United States. UNI offers more than 120 majors across the colleges of Business Administration, Education, Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences, and Social and Behavioral sciences, and graduate college.UNI has...
.
The three public high schools in the city are Waterloo West High School
Waterloo West High School
Waterloo West High School is a high school located at the intersection of E Ridgeway Ave. and Baltimore Ave. in Waterloo, Iowa.-Mascot:...
, Waterloo East High School
Waterloo East High School
East High School in Waterloo, Iowa is a public high school consisting of approximately 1300 students in grades 9-12.- History :The school was originally founded at its current site in 1874, with the present building being built in 1918. In 1939, the Music and Industrial Arts wing was added, and...
, and Expo High School. West's school mascot is the "Wahawk", a contraction of Waterloo and Black Hawk (the city and county names), and its colors are old rose and black. Its most famous alumnus is former amateur wrestler and coach Dan Gable
Dan Gable
Dan Gable is an American amateur wrestler. He is famous for having only lost one match in his entire Iowa State University collegiate career—his last, and winning gold at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany while not giving up a single point...
. Its current principal is Dr. Gail Moon. East's school mascot is the "Trojan", a warrior from the ancient city Troy
Troy
Troy was a city, both factual and legendary, located in northwest Anatolia in what is now Turkey, southeast of the Dardanelles and beside Mount Ida...
, and its colors are orange and black. Dr. Willie Barney is the current principal. Expo is an alternative high school. Its current principal is Brenton Shavers. Waterloo's only private high school is Columbus Catholic High School
Columbus High School (Iowa)
Columbus High School is a Catholic secondary school in Waterloo, Iowa. It opened its doors on 31 August 1959 after three years of fund-raising by its primary advocate, Father A.A. McAvoy...
, which is supported by the Catholic parishes of Waterloo and Cedar Falls. Columbus' mascot is the "Sailor", a connection to the school's namesake Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus was an explorer, colonizer, and navigator, born in the Republic of Genoa, in northwestern Italy. Under the auspices of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, he completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean that led to general European awareness of the American continents in the...
, and its school colors are green and white. There is also a wide array of elementary and junior high schools in the area, with open enrollment available.
Radio
-
- FM Stations
- 88.1 KBBGKBBGKBBG is a non-commercial educational radio station licensed to serve the community of Waterloo, Iowa. KBBG is owned by Afro American Community Broadcasting, Inc and is organized as a 5013 tax-exempt organization...
- 88.9 KWVI
- 89.5 KHKEKHKEKHKE is a radio station owned and operated by the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA, which broadcasts on 89.5 MHz. It is a classical station, sharing broadcast facilities with KUNI...
- 90.9 KUNI (FM)
KUNI (FM)KUNI is a radio station owned and operated by the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. It is one of two NPR outlets for Eastern Iowa; the other being WSUI in Iowa City. KUNI's transmitter is in Walker, Iowa, with its primary signal covering Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City...- 92.3 KKHQ
- 94.5 KULT-LP
KULT-LPKULT-LP is a college radio station broadcasting an Alternative rock radio format. Licensed to Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA, the station serves the University of Northern Iowa area. The station is currently owned by the Board of Control For Student Broadcasting....- 96.1 KCVM
KCVMKCVM is a commercial radio station located in Hudson, Iowa serving the Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Iowa area. The station broadcasts an adult contemporary music format. KCVM is licensed to Fife Communication LC....- 97.7 KCRR
KCRRKCRR is a radio station serving Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and surrounding cities with a classic rock format. This station broadcasts on FM frequency 97.7 MHz and is under ownership of Cumulus Media. Cory Ford is program director for KCRR and Elwin "Jim" Huffman serves as morning news host...- 98.5 KOEL-FM
KOEL-FMKOEL-FM is a radio station serving Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and surrounding cities with a modern country format. This station broadcasts on FM frequency 98.5 MHz and is under ownership of Cumulus Media. KOEL used to be broadcast on the FM frequency of 92.3 while 98.5 was then known as KKCV "The Hog"...- 99.3 KWAY-FM
KWAY-FMKWAY-FM is a radio station broadcasting a modern adult contemporary music format. Licensed to Waverly, Iowa, USA, the station serves the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area. The station is currently owned by Ael Suhr Enterprises, Inc. and features programing from CNN Radio....- 100.1 KBOL-LP
KBOL-LPKBOL-LP is a low-power FM non-commercial educational radio station broadcasting an urban contemporary music format. Licensed to Waterloo, Iowa, USA, the station is currently owned by The Community Outreach, Inc.-History:...- 101.9 KNWS-FM
KNWS-FMKNWS-FM, also known as Life 101.9, is a radio station in Waterloo, Iowa that is owned and operated by Northwestern College in Roseville, Minnesota, and supported by donations from the local community....- 102.9 KZIA
KZIAKZIA, known as "Z 102.9", is a radio station based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It has a Top 40 format primarily staffed with local personalities, including morning DJ's Scott Schulte and Ric Swann...- 105.7 KOKZ
KOKZKOKZ is a radio station serving the Waterloo/Cedar Rapids metropolitan area with a classic hits format which includes a diverse playlist of music from the late 1960s to the mid 1990s. It broadcasts on FM frequency 105.7 MHz and is under ownership of Bahakel Communications.The station signed on in...- 107.9 KFMW
KFMWKFMW, known as "Rock 108", is a radio station based in Waterloo, Iowa. The station has an active rock format. Its signal is transmitted from the AFLAC Tower north of Rowley, Iowa.-History:... - 88.1 KBBG
- AM Stations
- 600 WMTWMT (AM)WMT is a news/talk radio station broadcasting in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the United States. It is owned by Clear Channel Communications. The station's signal reaches most of Iowa and portions of neighboring states during daylight hours. -History:...
- 640 WOIWOI (AM)WOI is a News/Talk radio station affiliated with National Public Radio serving the Des Moines, Iowa area. It is located at 640 on the AM dial.Due to its dial position, power and Iowa's flat landscape, it can be heard throughout most of the state of Iowa . Its signal also reaches parts of...
- 850 KXGM
- 950 KOEL
KOEL (AM)KOEL is US a radio station serving Waterloo, Cedar Falls and surrounding cities with a news/talk format. The station broadcasts on AM frequency 950 kHz and is under the ownership of Cumulus Media...- 1040 WHO
WHO (AM)WHO is a clear channel radio station broadcasting 50,000 watts on 1040 AM with a news/talk format. The station is owned by Clear Channel Communications and is located in Des Moines, Iowa. The station can be heard over most of the continental United States during nighttime hours...- 1090 KNWS
KNWS (AM)KNWS, known on-air as Faith 1090 KNWS, or by the network name Faith Radio, is a radio station in Waterloo, Iowa, that is owned and operated by Northwestern College in Roseville, Minnesota and supported by donations from the local community throughout the year and a once-per-year share-a-thon. It...- 1250 KDNZ
KDNZKDNZ is a commercial radio station licensed to serve the Cedar Falls, Iowa area. The station primarily broadcasts a Spanish language format but airs Minnesota Twins baseball and some sports overflow from sister station KCNZ...- 1330 KWLO
KWLOKWLO is a radio station serving the Waterloo/Cedar Rapids metropolitan area with an oldies format fed from Dial Global's "Kool Gold" satellite feed. It broadcasts on AM frequency 1330 kHz and is under ownership of Bahakel Communications...- 1540 KXEL
KXELKXEL is a Class A AM radio station serving the Waterloo/Cedar Rapids metropolitan area with a News/Talk format. It broadcasts on AM frequency 1540 kHz and is under ownership of Bahakel Communications. KXEL is also the flagship station of the University of Northern Iowa Sports...- 1650 KCNZ
KCNZKCNZ is a commercial radio station licensed to serve the community of Cedar Falls, Iowa. The station primarily broadcasts a sports radio format. KCNZ is owned by Fife Communication Company LLC and is an affiliate of Fox Sports Radio. KCNZ carries The Dan Patrick Show and The Jim Rome Show... - 600 WMT
- FM Stations
Television
- 2 KGAN 2KGANKGAN is the CBS-affiliated television station for Eastern Iowa licensed to Cedar Rapids. It broadcasts a high definition digital signal on UHF channel 51 from a transmitter in Rowley near the junction of Buchanan, Benton and Linn Counties. The station can also be seen on Mediacom channel 2 and in...
(CBSCBSCBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
) – Located in Cedar RapidsCedar Rapids, IowaCedar Rapids is the second largest city in Iowa and is the county seat of Linn County. The city lies on both banks of the Cedar River, north of Iowa City and east of Des Moines, the state's capital and largest city... - 7 KWWL 7 (NBCNBCThe National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
, This TVThis TVThis TV is a United States general entertainment television network, with a large emphasis in its programming on movies....
on DT2, RTNRetro Television NetworkThe Retro Television Network is a system of television stations that airs classic television shows as well as more recently produced programs...
on DT3)- Located in Waterloo - 9 KCRG 9KCRG-TVKCRG-TV, channel 9, is a television station, operating as the ABC affiliate for the Cedar Rapids, Iowa metropolitan area, and the nearby cities of Waterloo, Iowa City and Dubuque....
(ABCAmerican Broadcasting CompanyThe American Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. Its first broadcast on television was in 1948...
) – Located in Cedar RapidsCedar Rapids, IowaCedar Rapids is the second largest city in Iowa and is the county seat of Linn County. The city lies on both banks of the Cedar River, north of Iowa City and east of Des Moines, the state's capital and largest city... - 12 KIIN 12Iowa Public TelevisionIowa Public Television is a state network of Public Broadcasting Service member non-commercial educational Public television stations in the state of Iowa. A member of the PBS, it is owned by the Iowa Public Broadcasting Board, an agency of the state education department which holds the licenses...
(PBSPublic Broadcasting ServiceThe Public Broadcasting Service is an American non-profit public broadcasting television network with 354 member TV stations in the United States which hold collective ownership. Its headquarters is in Arlington, Virginia....
/IPTVIowa Public TelevisionIowa Public Television is a state network of Public Broadcasting Service member non-commercial educational Public television stations in the state of Iowa. A member of the PBS, it is owned by the Iowa Public Broadcasting Board, an agency of the state education department which holds the licenses...
) – Located in Iowa CityIowa City, IowaIowa City is a city in Johnson County, State of Iowa. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a total population of about 67,862, making it the sixth-largest city in the state. Iowa City is the county seat of Johnson County and home to the University of Iowa... - 17 K17ET 17K17ETK17ET is a low-power television station licensed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It is currently a repeater that broadcasts programming from the Trinity Broadcasting Network, via satellite. The station broadcasts on UHF channel 17, with no digital signal currently on-the-air.On April 26, 2006, the station...
/ K44FK 44K44FKK44FK is a low-power television station licensed to Waterloo, Iowa. It was previously a repeater broadcasting programming from the Trinity Broadcasting Network, via satellite. The station broadcasts on UHF channel 44, with no digital signal currently on-the-air.On May 12, 2006, the station was...
(TBNTrinity Broadcasting NetworkThe Trinity Broadcasting Network is a major American Christian television network. TBN is based in Costa Mesa, California, with auxiliary studio facilities in Irving, Texas; Hendersonville, Tennessee; Gadsden, Alabama; Decatur, Georgia; Miami, Florida; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Orlando, Florida; and New...
) - 20 KWKB 20KWKBKWKB is a television station that broadcasts on digital channel 25 and is the CW affiliate for Eastern Iowa. KWKB is licensed to Iowa City, but its studios and transmitter are located north of West Branch. KWKB serves the greater Eastern Iowa area including Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and...
(The CWThe CW Television NetworkThe CW Television Network is a television network in the United States launched at the beginning of the 2006–2007 television season. It is a joint venture between CBS Corporation, the former owners of United Paramount Network , and Time Warner's Warner Bros., former majority owner of The WB...
/MNTVMyNetworkTVMyNetworkTV is a television broadcast syndication service in the United States, owned by the Fox Entertainment Group, a division of News Corporation...
) – Located in Iowa CityIowa City, IowaIowa City is a city in Johnson County, State of Iowa. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a total population of about 67,862, making it the sixth-largest city in the state. Iowa City is the county seat of Johnson County and home to the University of Iowa... - 22 KWWF 22KWWFKWWF is licensed to Waterloo, Iowa broadcasting on UHF channel 22. Its transmitter is located near Walker, Iowa.-History:KWWF signed on December 1, 2002, with a format of infomercials, home shopping, and reruns that were in the public domain...
(Ind) - 28 KFXA 28KFXAKFXA is the Fox-affiliated television station for Eastern Iowa licensed to Cedar Rapids. It broadcasts a high definition digital signal on UHF channel 27 from a transmitter in Van Horne. The station can also be seen on Mediacom channel 6 and in high definition on digital channel 828...
(FoxFox Broadcasting CompanyFox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the...
) – Located in Cedar RapidsCedar Rapids, IowaCedar Rapids is the second largest city in Iowa and is the county seat of Linn County. The city lies on both banks of the Cedar River, north of Iowa City and east of Des Moines, the state's capital and largest city... - 32 KRIN 32Iowa Public TelevisionIowa Public Television is a state network of Public Broadcasting Service member non-commercial educational Public television stations in the state of Iowa. A member of the PBS, it is owned by the Iowa Public Broadcasting Board, an agency of the state education department which holds the licenses...
(PBSPublic Broadcasting ServiceThe Public Broadcasting Service is an American non-profit public broadcasting television network with 354 member TV stations in the United States which hold collective ownership. Its headquarters is in Arlington, Virginia....
/IPTVIowa Public TelevisionIowa Public Television is a state network of Public Broadcasting Service member non-commercial educational Public television stations in the state of Iowa. A member of the PBS, it is owned by the Iowa Public Broadcasting Board, an agency of the state education department which holds the licenses...
) - 40 KFXB 40KFXBKFXB-TV is a television station based out of Dubuque, Iowa. The channel transmits digitally on UHF channel 43. Currently the channel is an owned and operated affiliate of the Christian Television Network....
(CTNChristian Television NetworkChristian Television Network is a non-profit broadcast television network of small owned-and-operated stations that broadcasts religious programming. It is based in Largo, Florida , and the flagship station is WCLF channel 22, which signed on the air in the Tampa Bay Florida region in 1979...
) – Located in DubuqueDubuque, IowaDubuque is a city in and the county seat of Dubuque County, Iowa, United States, located along the Mississippi River. In 2010 its population was 57,637, making it the ninth-largest city in the state and the county's population was 93,653.... - 48 KPXR 48KPXRKPXR-TV is the Ion Television affiliate for Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The station is owned by ION Media Networks, and operates a digital signal on channel 47.-Digital television:...
(Ion) – Located in Cedar RapidsCedar Rapids, IowaCedar Rapids is the second largest city in Iowa and is the county seat of Linn County. The city lies on both banks of the Cedar River, north of Iowa City and east of Des Moines, the state's capital and largest city...
Transportation
Waterloo is located at the north end of Interstate 380Interstate 380 (Iowa)
Interstate 380 is a auxiliary Interstate Highway located in eastern Iowa. The route extends from Interstate 80 near Coralville to Waterloo. I-380 connects the cities of Cedar Rapids and Waterloo, the second- and fifth-largest cities in the state, respectively, to the Interstate Highway System. ...
. U.S. Highways 20
U.S. Route 20
U.S. Route 20 is an east–west United States highway. As the "0" in its route number implies, US 20 is a coast-to-coast route. Spanning , it is the longest road in the United States, and the route sparsely parallels Interstate 90...
, 63
U.S. Route 63
U.S. Route 63 is a long north–south United States highway primarily in the Midwestern United States. The southern terminus of the route is at Interstate 20 in Ruston, Louisiana. The northern terminus is at U.S. Route 2 in Benoit, Wisconsin, about east of Duluth, Minnesota. It is not related to U.S...
, and 218
U.S. Route 218
U.S. Route 218 is an original United States Highway, created in 1926. Although technically a spur of U.S. Route 18, US 218 neither begins nor ends at US 18, but overlaps US 18 for near Charles City, Iowa. US 218 begins at U.S. Route 136 in downtown Keokuk and ends away at...
and Iowa Highway 21
Iowa Highway 21
Iowa Highway 21 is a state highway that runs from north to south in central Iowa. It has a length of . Iowa Highway 21 has its southern terminus at Iowa Highway 149 west of Hedrick and its northern terminus at a freeway interchange with U.S...
, also run through the metropolitan area. The Avenue of the Saints
Avenue of the Saints
The Avenue of the Saints is a highway in the Midwestern United States that connects St. Paul, Minnesota, and St. Louis, Missouri.-Missouri:Within Missouri, the Avenue of the Saints is Interstate 64, U.S...
runs through Waterloo.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines, Inc. is a major airline based in the United States and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The airline operates an extensive domestic and international network serving all continents except Antarctica. Delta and its subsidiaries operate over 4,000 flights every day...
provides non-stop air service to and from Minneapolis/St. Paul from the Waterloo Regional Airport
Waterloo Regional Airport
- External links :*, official site*...
.
Waterloo is served by a metropolitan bus system (MET). MET serves most areas of Cedar Falls and Waterloo. Most routes meet at the central bus station in downtown Waterloo. The system operates Monday – Saturday. During the week the earliest bus is at 5:45 am from downtown Waterloo and the last bus arriving downtown at 6:40 pm. Service is more limited on Saturdays.
Waterloo is served by one daily intercity bus arrival and departure to Chicago and Des Moines
Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines is the capital and the most populous city in the US state of Iowa. It is also the county seat of Polk County. A small portion of the city extends into Warren County. It was incorporated on September 22, 1851, as Fort Des Moines which was shortened to "Des Moines" in 1857...
. Service is provided by Burlington Trailways
Burlington Trailways
Burlington Trailways is an inter-city bus company based in West Burlington, Iowa.Burlington Trailways was founded in 1929 as the Burlington Transportation Company, a subsidiary of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad...
. New service to/from Mason City
Mason City, Iowa
Mason City is the county seat of Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, United States. The population was 28,079 in the 2010 census, a decline from 29,172 in the 2000 census. The Mason City Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Cerro Gordo and Worth counties....
and Minneapolis/St. Paul provided by Jefferson Lines
Jefferson Lines
Jefferson Lines is a regional intercity bus company operating in United States. The company's name originates in the Jefferson Highway, a north-south route in the early National Auto Trail system which once ran from Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada, south to New Orleans, Louisiana. The service to...
started in the Fall of 2009.
There are currently four taxi operators in Waterloo and Cedar Falls. They are: First Call, Yellow, City Cab, and the newest is Cedar Valley Cab.
Utilities
The MidAmerican Energy CompanyMidAmerican Energy Company
MidAmerican Energy Company is an energy company based in Des Moines, Iowa. Its service area includes almost two-thirds of Iowa, as well as portions of Illinois, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Its territory is wholly encompassed by the territory of the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator...
supplies the Waterloo residents and businesses with electricity and natural gas. The Waterloo Water Works supplies potable water
Drinking water
Drinking water or potable water is water pure enough to be consumed or used with low risk of immediate or long term harm. In most developed countries, the water supplied to households, commerce and industry is all of drinking water standard, even though only a very small proportion is actually...
with a capacity of 50,400,000 GPD (gallons per day) with an average use of 13,400,000 GPD and a peak use of 28,800,000 GPD. Sanitation
Sanitation
Sanitation is the hygienic means of promoting health through prevention of human contact with the hazards of wastes. Hazards can be either physical, microbiological, biological or chemical agents of disease. Wastes that can cause health problems are human and animal feces, solid wastes, domestic...
service (sewage) is operated by the city of Waterloo with a capacity of 36,500,000 GPD and an average use of 14,000,000 GPD.
Healthcare
When considering the health care of the area one needs to think of Waterloo and Cedar Falls together as they share a long common border. , Waterloo is home to two hospitals, Covenant Medical Center which has 366 beds and Allen Memorial Hospital with 234 beds. Cedar Falls is home to Sartori Memorial Hospital with 83 beds. The Waterloo/Cedar Falls metropolitan area has 295 physicians, 69 dentists, 52 chiropractors, 24 vision specialists and 21 nursing/retirement homes.Notable people
- Julie AdamsJulie AdamsJulie Adams is an American film and television actress, sometimes credited as Julia Adams or Betty Adams.-Life and career:...
, actress in Creature from the Black LagoonCreature from the Black LagoonCreature from the Black Lagoon is a 1954 monster horror film directed by Jack Arnold, and starring Richard Carlson, Julia Adams, Richard Denning, Antonio Moreno, and Whit Bissell. The eponymous creature was played by Ben Chapman on land and Ricou Browning in underwater scenes...
and other movies - Michele BachmannMichele BachmannMichele Marie Bachmann is a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, representing , a post she has held since 2007. The district includes several of the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities, such as Woodbury, and Blaine as well as Stillwater and St. Cloud.She is currently a...
(born 1956) MinnesotaMinnesotaMinnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
Congresswoman - David BarrettDavid Barrett (American football)David Barrett is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arkansas....
, cornerback for New York JetsNew York JetsThe New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... - William BirenbaumWilliam BirenbaumWilliam Marvin Birenbaum was an American educator and college administrator who served in leadership positions at the New School for Social Research, Long Island University, Staten Island Community College, and received national attention for his efforts to address financial difficulties during...
(1923–2010), college administrator who served as president of Antioch CollegeAntioch CollegeAntioch College is a private, independent liberal arts college in Yellow Springs, Ohio, United States. It was the founder and the flagship institution of the six-campus Antioch University system. Founded in 1852 by the Christian Connection, the college began operating in 1853 with politician and...
. - Horace BoiesHorace BoiesHorace Boies served as the 14th Governor of Iowa from 1890 to 1894 as a member of the United States Democratic Party. Boies was the only Democrat to serve in that position from 1855-1933.- Life before Iowa :...
(1827–1923) governor of Iowa, 1890–1894 - Bob BowlsbyBob BowlsbyBob Bowlsby is the Director of Athletics at Stanford University.Born in Waterloo, Iowa, Bowlsby was the AD at the University of Northern Iowa, until taking over as the athletic director at the University of Iowa from 1991 to 2005 prior to becoming Stanford's sixth athletic director in 2006.He is a...
, athletic directorAthletic directorAn athletic director is an administrator at many American colleges and universities, as well as in larger high schools and middle schools, who oversees the work of coaches and related staff involved in intercollegiate or interscholastic athletic programs...
, Stanford UniversityStanford UniversityThe Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is a private research university on an campus located near Palo Alto, California. It is situated in the northwestern Santa Clara Valley on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately northwest of San...
since 2006; University of IowaUniversity of IowaThe University of Iowa is a public state-supported research university located in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. It is the oldest public university in the state. The university is organized into eleven colleges granting undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees...
, 1991–2005 - Allan CarpenterAllan CarpenterJohn Allan Carpenter was born in Waterloo, Iowa in 1917. Mr. Carpenter now lives in Chicago and “is one of the most respected non-fiction authors in American publishing history.” He is a prolific writer with more than 225 books to his credit...
(born 1917) author of over 150 books relationship to Waterloo - Don DenkingerDon DenkingerDonald Anton Denkinger is a former Major League Baseball umpire who worked in the American League from 1969 to 1998. Denkinger wore uniform number 11, when the AL adopted uniform numbers in 1980. He is best remembered for an incorrect call he made at first base in Game 6 of the 1985 World...
, Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
umpire, made famous for "the call" in game 6 of 1985 World Series - Rich FolkersRich FolkersRichard Nevin Folkers is a former left-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who played from to for the New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers....
, MLB player for New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
, St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
, San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
, and Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee BrewersThe Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League... - Dan GableDan GableDan Gable is an American amateur wrestler. He is famous for having only lost one match in his entire Iowa State University collegiate career—his last, and winning gold at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany while not giving up a single point...
, Olympic wrestling champion, multiple NCAA champion from Iowa State UniversityIowa State UniversityIowa State University of Science and Technology, more commonly known as Iowa State University , is a public land-grant and space-grant research university located in Ames, Iowa, United States. Iowa State has produced astronauts, scientists, and Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, along with a host of...
, and distinguished collegiate coach - John Wayne GacyJohn Wayne GacyJohn Wayne Gacy, Jr. was an American serial killer, rapist and clown who sexually assaulted and murdered at least 33 teenage boys and young men between 1972 and 1978. Gacy buried 26 of his victims in the crawlspace of his home, buried three others elsewhere on his property, and discarded the...
(1942–1994) serial killer - Kim GuadagnoKim GuadagnoKim Guadagno is the first Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, having won the 2009 election as the running mate of Governor Chris Christie. She is also concurrently the Secretary of State of New Jersey.-Early life:...
, First Lieutenant Governor of New JerseyLieutenant Governor of New JerseyThe Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is a position that has existed since January 2010, following conjoint election with the Governor of New Jersey. The position was created as the result of a Constitutional amendment to the New Jersey State Constitution passed by the voters on November 8, 2005... - Lou Henry HooverLou Henry HooverLou Henry Hoover was the wife of President of the United States Herbert Hoover and First Lady of the United States, 1929-1933. Mrs. Hoover was president of the Girl Scouts of the USA for two terms, 1922-1925 and 1935-1937....
(1874–1944) wife of President Herbert HooverHerbert HooverHerbert Clark Hoover was the 31st President of the United States . Hoover was originally a professional mining engineer and author. As the United States Secretary of Commerce in the 1920s under Presidents Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge, he promoted partnerships between government and business...
and First Lady of the United StatesFirst Lady of the United StatesFirst Lady of the United States is the title of the hostess of the White House. Because this position is traditionally filled by the wife of the president of the United States, the title is most often applied to the wife of a sitting president. The current first lady is Michelle Obama.-Current:The...
, 1929–1933. - MarTay JenkinsMarTay JenkinsMarTay Jenkins is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League as well as the Arena Football League and Canadian Football League. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys...
, (born 1975) NFLNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
record holding wide receiver for Arizona CardinalsArizona CardinalsThe Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... - Arthur R. KellyArthur R. KellyArthur Rolland Kelly was an American architect who specialized in residential architecture, primarily in the Los Angeles, California area. Arthur Kelly designed approximately five hundred homes and other buildings....
(1878–1959) architect relationship to Waterloo - Bonnie KolocBonnie KolocBonnie Koloc is an American folk music singer-songwriter, actress, and artist who was considered one of the three main Illinois-based folk singers in the 1970s, along with Steve Goodman and John Prine forming the "trinity of the Chicago folk scene."...
(born 1946) folk musician relationship to Waterloo - John Hooker LeavittJohn Hooker LeavittJohn Hooker Leavitt was an early banker and Iowa state senator who was born at Heath, Massachusetts, but who later moved westward to Iowa in search of fortune....
, banker, state senator, son of Roger Hooker LeavittRoger Hooker LeavittCol. Roger Hooker Leavitt was a prominent landowner, early industrialist and Massachusetts politician who with other family members was an ardent abolitionist, using his home in Charlemont, Massachusetts as an Underground Railroad station for slaves escaped from the South... - J.J. Moses (born 1979) NFLNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
wide receiver for Arizona CardinalsArizona CardinalsThe Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... - Larry Nemmers, NFLNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
referee - Thunderbolt Patterson, professional wrestler
- Joe PeltonJoe PeltonJoe Pelton is an American business analyst and poker tournament player, who is based in Newport Beach, California. He attended Harvey Mudd College and graduated in 1999...
, pokerPokerPoker is a family of card games that share betting rules and usually hand rankings. Poker games differ in how the cards are dealt, how hands may be formed, whether the high or low hand wins the pot in a showdown , limits on bet sizes, and how many rounds of betting are allowed.In most modern poker...
player - Don PerkinsDon PerkinsDonald Anthony Perkins is a former American football halfback who spent eight seasons with the NFL's Dallas Cowboys.-Early years:...
, running back for Dallas CowboysDallas CowboysThe Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas... - Alfred C. RichmondAlfred C. RichmondAlfred Carroll Richmond was a retired United States Coast Guard admiral who served as the 11th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1954 to 1962, the second longest tenure of any U.S. Coast Guard Commandant....
, retired U.S. Coast Guard commandant - Reggie RobyReggie RobyReginald Henry "Reggie" Roby was an American football punter in the National Football League and a three-time Pro Bowler. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 1983 NFL Draft out of the University of Iowa...
(1961–2005) punter for University of Iowa HawkeyesIowa HawkeyesThe Iowa Hawkeyes are the athletics teams that represent the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. The Hawkeyes have varsity teams in 24 sports, 11 for men and 13 for women. The teams participate in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and are members of the...
and five NFLNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
teams, 3 time Pro-Bowler - Zud SchammelZud SchammelZud Schammel is a guard in the National Football League. He played with the Green Bay Packers during the 1937 NFL season.-References:...
(born 1910) NFL guard for the Green Bay PackersGreen Bay PackersThe Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... - Sean SchemmelSean SchemmelSean Schemmel is an American voice actor, ADR director, and script writer who has worked for NYAV Post, Bandai Entertainment, Funimation Entertainment, OkraTron 5000, DuArt Film and Video, and 4Kids Entertainment...
, Voice actor - Tracie SpencerTracie SpencerTracie Monique Spencer is an American pop and R&B singer-songwriter, actress, and model.-Biography:She began singing by the age of three and modeling in pageant competitions at age five. Tracie performed, produced and directed her first music videos before she was ten years of age...
, (born 1976) Winner of Star SearchStar SearchStar Search is a television show that was produced from 1983-95, hosted by Ed McMahon, and created by Alfred Masini. A relaunch was produced in 2003-04. The show was originally filmed at the old Earl Carroll Theatre at 6230 Sunset Blvd...
in 1987 as a singer, recorded music across many genres, acted and modeled - Darren SprolesDarren SprolesDarren Lee Sproles is an American football running back of the NFL who plays for the New Orleans Saints. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
, an American footballAmerican footballAmerican football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
running backRunning backA running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
for the San Diego ChargersSan Diego ChargersThe San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
of the National Football LeagueNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. - Suzanne StephensSuzanne StephensSuzanne Stephens is an American clarinetist, resident in Germany, described as "an outstanding performer and tireless promoter of the clarinet and basset horn" .-Biography:...
(born 1946) clarinetist - The Sullivan BrothersSullivan brothersThe Sullivan brothers were five siblings who were all killed in action during or shortly after the sinking of the light cruiser USS Juneau , the vessel on which they all served, on November 13, 1942, in World War II....
, five sons who died together on the USS JuneauUSS Juneau (CL-52)The first USS Juneau was a United States Navy Atlanta-class light cruiser sunk at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in November 1942. In total 687 men, including the five Sullivan brothers, were killed in action as a result of its sinking....
during World War II - Corey TaylorCorey TaylorCorey Todd Taylor sometimes known by the number 8, is an American musician best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of Slipknot and Stone Sour. Taylor was raised by his single mother. He developed a fond feeling toward classic rock after his grandmother introduced him to it...
, Vocalist from SlipknotSlipknot (band)Slipknot is an American heavy metal band from Des Moines, Iowa. Formed in 1995, the group was founded by percussionist Shawn Crahan and bassist Paul Gray...
and Stonesour - Mike van ArsdaleMike van ArsdaleMike van Arsdale is an American mixed martial artist who has competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship...
, mixed martial artist, signed with the UFC - Emily WestEmily WestEmily Nemmers is an American country music artist who records under the name Emily West. Signed to Capitol Records Nashville, she debuted on Billboard Hot Country Songs charts in early 2008 with the single "Rocks in Your Shoes". This song peaked at #39 early in the year, and is the first single...
(born 1981) country musicCountry musicCountry music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
singer/songwriter signed with Capitol RecordsCapitol RecordsCapitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine... - Nancy YoungblutNancy YoungblutNancy Youngblut is an American actress. She has appeared on stage and television. On Broadway in Burn This and on episodic television including Bones, Cold Case, The Unit, E.R. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Womanand Murphy Brown...
, actress
External links
- City website
- Waterloo Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa
- City of Waterloo Brownfields Redevelopment Website
- City of Waterloo Economic Development Website
- Waterloo Public Library
- Waterloo Chamber of Commerce
- Waterloo Police Department
- Waterloo Community School District
- City Data Comprehensive statistical data and more about Waterloo, Iowa
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