RiverPark and Floods

Welcome to Cascade, a town shaped by the forces of nature and the resilience of its people. The Maquoketa River has been both a life source and a challenge, bringing prosperity but also destruction.

Our story begins with the early settlers. When James O. Langworthy explored this area in 1829, he saw the river as a focal point for development. Nicholas Delong, considered the first permanent Euro-American settler, built three log cabins in 1834. The first flour mill was built in 1837, followed by a sawmill in 1838. The magnificent falls not only provided power but also gave the town its name. In 1857, a rock bridge was constructed, uniting the east and west sides of the community. By 1896, Cascade had grown to a population of 1,250, boasting general stores, hotels, restaurants, a creamery, an opera house, and, of course, saloons.

However, the river that helped build Cascade also brought devastation. On May 25, 1896, heavy rains caused the north fork of the Maquoketa River to overflow. Water quickly rose, forcing residents to move belongings to upper floors. Though no lives were lost, the flood took the town by surprise.. The community rallied together, rebuilding from the damage.

Just seven years later, on July 17, 1903, another flood swept through. Though slightly less severe, it still left homes filled with sediment and water. Once again, the people of Cascade endured and rebuilt.

However, it was June 15, 1925, that brought the town’s most tragic flood. Torrential rains sent floodwaters surging into Cascade once again, but this time, two lives were lost. 

Edward Bell attempted to cross the floodwaters to reach his home. His body wasn’t recovered until early July downstream north of Maquoketa, Iowa.

Mrs. Caleb Russell and her daughter, Mrs. Nellie Cowan, had refused to leave their home despite warnings. Their house was demolished by the raging waters. Mrs. Russell was last seen floating south on a mattress—her body was found the next day. Mrs. Cowan was initially believed drowned but was miraculously found and rescued the next day. 

Property losses were devastating, estimated at close to $500,000, with  scores of homes and quite a few businesses destroyed. The Baptist church was also destroyed and never rebuilt,  Only the church’s piano and a few chairs remained.

This flood was the turning point for Cascade. In response to the repeated destruction, flood control measures were finally put in place to protect the town.

Cascade’s Riverview Park, established in 1914, is the oldest and one of the most cherished parks in the city. Nestled along the North Fork of the Maquoketa River, it provides a picturesque setting with stunning views of the river falls. Over the years, Riverview Park has become a central gathering place for residents and visitors alike, offering a serene environment for picnics, leisurely strolls, and community events. Its location in the heart of Cascade makes it an accessible and inviting space for all ages to enjoy nature and local festivities.

A major highlight of Riverview Park is the Rockin on the River Amphitheater, built in 2011 through a combination of fundraising efforts, grants, and generous community donations. This beautiful stone structure serves as the backdrop for the park’s signature summer concert series, Rockin’ on the River, as well as many other events throughout the year. The amphitheater has become a hub of entertainment, bringing people together to enjoy live music, performances, and celebrations, further cementing Riverview Park’s role as a vital part of Cascade’s rich history and vibrant community life.

At the heart of this park stands a pavilion, a testament to both loss and resilience. The original structure, built as a gathering place for the community, once had a second story, but it was destroyed in the 1925 flood. Years later, it was rebuilt by the city, and later refurbished as an Eagle Scout project, demonstrating the dedication of local youth to restoring what was lost. In 2023, the city recognized the need to improve and modernize the pavilion, ensuring it serves the community for generations to come and built the structure that you currently see.

As we stand here today, we remember the challenges faced by the people of Cascade—those who endured tragedy, those who rebuilt, and those who worked to protect the town from future disasters. The river that gave life to this community has also tested its strength. But through every hardship, Cascade has persevered. Let us honor the memories of those who came before us and take pride in the resilience that continues to define this town.