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.
MINES OF SPAIN STATE RECREATIONAL AREA: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:dubuquemonument-2.gif|left|thumb|150px|Julien Dubuque Monument]]MINES OF SPAIN STATE RECREATIONAL AREA. A 1,380-acre state recreation area south of Dubuque, the region contains five sites that were added to the [[NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES]] during 1989. One area contains one hundred sixteen prehistoric sites including rock shelters, villages and mounds covering more than eight thousand years. Another area contains remnants of the [[LEAD MINING]] techniques used in the | [[Image:dubuquemonument-2.gif|left|thumb|150px|Julien Dubuque Monument]]MINES OF SPAIN STATE RECREATIONAL AREA. A 1,380-acre state recreation area south of Dubuque, the region contains five sites that were added to the [[NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES]] during 1989. One area contains one hundred sixteen prehistoric sites including rock shelters, villages and mounds covering more than eight thousand years. Another area contains remnants of the [[LEAD MINING]] techniques used in the 1800s. A third site contains valuable evidence of the mid-19th century [[LUMBER INDUSTRY]]. There are also farm outbuildings and artifacts that provide clues to local farming practices. A fourth site, of particular Dubuque interest, includes the Dubuque trading post and a [[MESQUAKIE]] village. The last site chosen for its unique informational and historic value was the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE MONUMENT]]. This was listed, according to the State Historical Society of Iowa, because the tower was a fine example of ''boosterism'' in the 19th century. | ||
More controversial was a proposed 1.2-mile road through part of the Mines of Spain planned by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The DNR claimed the proposed road would be constructed of earth tone or light brown asphalt to blend with the environment and that a limestone bridge would be designed to appear old. Conservation groups, including the Dubuque County Conservation Society, claimed that such a road would harm the beauty of the region, parts of which have been accessible only on foot. | More controversial was a proposed 1.2-mile road through part of the Mines of Spain planned by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The DNR claimed the proposed road would be constructed of earth tone or light brown asphalt to blend with the environment and that a limestone bridge would be designed to appear old. Conservation groups, including the Dubuque County Conservation Society, claimed that such a road would harm the beauty of the region, parts of which have been accessible only on foot. | ||
In 1989 the [[DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]] endorsed the idea of road construction | In 1989 the [[DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]] endorsed the idea of road construction claiming that it would provide improved access for the general public and management crews. The Chamber further explained its belief that 80 percent of the planned route would be constructed along existing roadbeds leaving 80 percent of the Mines of Spain, including hiking trails, away from the road. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources said the road would precede other improvements such as improving parking lots, restoring a trapper's cabin and mines, building canoe access areas, and shoring up the Julien Dubuque monument. | ||
On September 8, 1989, United States District Judge David Hansen accepted a federal magistrate ruling denying an injunction on construction of the road. Dubuque County Conservation Society claimed an environmental impact study was needed before a road in that area was built. Hansen found there would be no change in the use of the area or no federal participation in the design, engineering or construction of the road. | On September 8, 1989, United States District Judge David Hansen accepted a federal magistrate ruling denying an injunction on construction of the road. Dubuque County Conservation Society claimed an environmental impact study was needed before a road in that area was built. Hansen found there would be no change in the use of the area or no federal participation in the design, engineering or construction of the road. | ||
[[Category: Parks]] | [[Category: Parks]] | ||
Revision as of 20:09, 13 March 2010
MINES OF SPAIN STATE RECREATIONAL AREA. A 1,380-acre state recreation area south of Dubuque, the region contains five sites that were added to the NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES during 1989. One area contains one hundred sixteen prehistoric sites including rock shelters, villages and mounds covering more than eight thousand years. Another area contains remnants of the LEAD MINING techniques used in the 1800s. A third site contains valuable evidence of the mid-19th century LUMBER INDUSTRY. There are also farm outbuildings and artifacts that provide clues to local farming practices. A fourth site, of particular Dubuque interest, includes the Dubuque trading post and a MESQUAKIE village. The last site chosen for its unique informational and historic value was the JULIEN DUBUQUE MONUMENT. This was listed, according to the State Historical Society of Iowa, because the tower was a fine example of boosterism in the 19th century.
More controversial was a proposed 1.2-mile road through part of the Mines of Spain planned by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The DNR claimed the proposed road would be constructed of earth tone or light brown asphalt to blend with the environment and that a limestone bridge would be designed to appear old. Conservation groups, including the Dubuque County Conservation Society, claimed that such a road would harm the beauty of the region, parts of which have been accessible only on foot.
In 1989 the DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE endorsed the idea of road construction claiming that it would provide improved access for the general public and management crews. The Chamber further explained its belief that 80 percent of the planned route would be constructed along existing roadbeds leaving 80 percent of the Mines of Spain, including hiking trails, away from the road. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources said the road would precede other improvements such as improving parking lots, restoring a trapper's cabin and mines, building canoe access areas, and shoring up the Julien Dubuque monument.
On September 8, 1989, United States District Judge David Hansen accepted a federal magistrate ruling denying an injunction on construction of the road. Dubuque County Conservation Society claimed an environmental impact study was needed before a road in that area was built. Hansen found there would be no change in the use of the area or no federal participation in the design, engineering or construction of the road.