Burlington, Iowa
United States
Iowa
Des Moines County
Burlington
Histories
Burlington is a city in Des Moines County Iowa and is Des Moines County Seat. Burlington was founded in 1833, prior to this it was originally called "Shoquoquon" (Shok-ko-kon), meaning Flint Hills.
Enchanting Victorian homes adorn the hills and vales of Iowa's first capital, Burlington. Cobblestone streets, and brick paved lanes stretch out along the lazy Mississippi River and weave through the European influenced settlement. Burlington, originally named after Burlington, Vermont, is home to Snake Alley, the most crooked alley in the world. An occasional whistle of a Burlington Northern train adds to the feel of Mark Twain days gone by.
Preceding the Blackhawk purchase it was a nonaligned country for the Sac and Fox Tribes. The Mississippi River runs along the East side of Burlington making it a once busy lumber shipping center.
Neighboring Communities
Danville, Mediapolis, Middletown, West Burlington
In Henderson County Illinois: Carman, Gladstone, Gulf Port, Lomax, Oquawka, Stronghurst, Terre Haute
Family History Resources
Cemeteries
Information about Burlington and surrounding area cemeteries can be found at Des Moines County Cemeteries Additional information regarding their locations are in the Des Moines County Cemeteries Map.
Community Websites
Historical and Genealogical Societies
- Des Moines County Genealogical Society Address: PO Box 493 Burlington IA 52601
- State Historical Society of Iowa Address: 600 East Locust Des Moines IA 50319
Historical Newspapers
The Burlington Daily Gazette was established in 1837.
The Hawk Eye Newspaper was established in 1839.
The Iowa Tribune - a German Paper established in 1861.
Histories, Biographies, And Genealogies
A short summary of the history of Burlington is recounted in the Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa 1875.
Libraries
The Burlington County Library has a very large collection of genealogical Information.