Historic Tales of Old Dubuque

by John T. Pregler

The history of Dubuque is as important to the nation as it is to Iowa. Look into the life of railroad attorney Abraham Lincoln as he pays a visit to a prominent railroad engineer in Dubuque prior to becoming president. Follow Congressional debate on whether U.S. Representative William Vandever (R-IA) had the right to simultaneously hold a seat in Congress and a commission in the U.S. military during the Civil War. View some of the more popular Americans photographed by famed Dubuque photographer Samuel Root, including an image of Frederick Douglass captured while in Dubuque for one of three lectures the "Self-Made Man'? made in the Key City. Author and historian John T. Pregler sheds light on these rediscovered facets of American history and many others.

144 pages, Paperback

Published October 10, 2022

Reviews

[Sean Malone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides a navigable survey of the more prominent figures attached to the history of Dubuque, especially in the latter half of nineteenth century. Well-researched, but the readability is certainly and irrevocably attached to the reader's specific interest in that topic. An overview of the city's own history could have been expanded to help contextualize and place the various comings and goings.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pregler provides some interesting insights into how Dubuque interacted with national issues. The most complete section of the book discusses William Allison's impact on national events.