Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
MONKEYTOWN
MONKEYTOWN. This name has two stories which may intertwine. One story attributes the name to a mining community in the western part of the community. The second story, also set in the western part of the city, involved an inn opened in pioneer days by Martin Shaffner. Located along Delhi and O'Hagan streets, Shaffner's Inn displayed a monkey purchased from passing settlers which made his establishment a popular destination for those living in the area.
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Source:
Jacobsen, James E. The Architectural and Historical Resources of Dubuque, Iowa, 1837-1955Online: http://www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/2936, p. 6
