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Encyclopedia Dubuque

www.encyclopediadubuque.org

"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.




MADISON PARK

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This c. 1872 picture of the future site of Madison Park shows the home of John Vincent Rider. The picture also shows wooden steps leading to the home. Image courtesy: Center for Dubuque History and http://www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/2926

MADISON PARK. Once the site of the mansion and estate of Dubuque banker, John Vincent RIDER. The site, originally called Hill Crest, is located on the crest of Seminary Hill at the end of Clarke Drive. In 1915 the mansion was opened to the public as a public shelter. Since it was too costly to maintain, the home was demolished.

This picture c.1919 is thought to show the opening of Madison Park. Image courtesy: Center for Dubuque History and http://www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/2926

A pavilion was constructed on the location in 1919 and the area was renamed Madison Park. The MADISON STREET STEPS were installed to make the park easily accessible from downtown.

The park c. 2014