Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
FORT RITTENHOUSE-1470 MONTROSE
FORT RITTENHOUSE. One of Dubuque's most distinctive houses. While the exact date of its construction is not known, tradition in Dubuque and records of title to the property suggest it was built in 1846. (1) That was when Rufus RITTENHOUSE was able to obtain clear title to the land.
When it was constructed, the home must have been a show place of the area. It was the only house in the area according to an artist's drawing of Dubuque from around 1850. (2) Built on the summit of a hill, along which Montrose Terrace was constructed, the house had a commanding view of every part of the small town.
Rittenhouse held the title to the entire property until 1853. In that year he and his wife, Ann, deeded the eastern half of the lot and house to Charles Gilliam. This was later deeded to the father of Charles Paine who deeded it to Jabob Sievers. Mary Sievers was the next owner until 1932 when the title was held by Jacob Roesner. (3)
The western half of the property and house was deeded to D. N. COOLEY. He sold the property and half of the house to John Wybrant who sold the property to Henry B. GNIFFKE around 1909. (4)
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Source:
1. Sommer, Lawrence. The Heritage of Dubuque. East Dubuque: Tel Graphics, October 1975, p. 24
2. "One of Dubuque's Historic Old Homes," Telegraph-Herald and Times-Journal, February 4, 1934, p. 5 (special appreciation to Paul HEMMER
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.