Encyclopedia Dubuque
"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.
SEVEN HILLS
SEVEN HILLS. The origin of the comparison between Rome, Italy and Dubuque, Iowa as cities founded on seven hills is not known. One of the most detailed explanations of the description, a fine example of BOOSTERISM, was published in appeared in the Telegraph-Herald, on June 25, 1911.
The article stated that while other cities can boast "of the same distinction, in the case of Dubuque these were "real hill" rising from 300 to 400 feet above the river "surround the city on three sides with a wall of beauty, clad in brilliant green."
As clues as to what the hills references, the article described:
On top of the hills lies the residence district, and
on each hill is situated one of the city's institutions
of learning, charity, mercy schools, orphanages and
hospitals.
As the only examples cited, the article mentioned MOUNT CARMEL and EAGLE POINT PARK.
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Source:
1. "Greatest Little City in America," Telegraph-Herald, June 25, 1911