Nestled along the majestic Mississippi River, the historic towns of McGregor and Marquette, Iowa, represent a rich tapestry of American frontier spirit, commercial ambition, and enduring community. From their inception as pivotal ferry crossings to their transformation into bustling river ports, the story of McGregor and Marquette, Iowa, is deeply intertwined with the expansion of the American West and the vital role of river commerce.
These communities owe their existence to the vision of early pioneers, most notably Alexander MacGregor, whose entrepreneurial drive shaped the very landscape and destiny of this significant Iowa region.
Alexander MacGregor: A Visionary Pioneer
Born on May 23, 1804, in Wilson Junction, New York, Alexander MacGregor, a man of royal Scottish descent, spent his early years on his family’s farm. At 28, he embarked on an adventurous journey westward, arriving in Chicago in 1832. Here, he co-founded “Land Company No. 1,” a venture focused on land speculation around the nascent settlement that was then growing around Fort Dearborn. Despite the company’s reported success, historical records in Chicago or Cook County offer no mention of MacGregor or this specific enterprise, adding a layer of intrigue to his early pursuits.
MacGregor’s restless spirit soon led him further west. By 1834, he settled in what would become Aurora, Illinois, a newly opened government land. He quickly claimed and improved approximately 2,400 acres of timberland, strategically selling it off in 160-acre tracts. His rapid success spurred another move in 1835, this time to the established French settlement of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, situated near the crucial confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. It was here that MacGregor’s permanent legacy would begin to take shape.
In 1836, recognizing the immense potential and critical need for reliable river transport, Alexander MacGregor played a pivotal role in establishing a ferry service across the Mississippi from Fort Crawford, adjacent to Prairie du Chien. Partnering with business associates Thomas Burnett and James Lockwood, MacGregor acquired a portion of a Spanish claim, initially naming it “The Ferry Property.” This land, part of the “Giard Tract,” was originally granted to Basil Giard in 1800 and was among the few Spanish land grants in Iowa. By 1837, Giard’s heirs had deeded their shares to Lockwood and Burnett, enabling Alexander to purchase additional claim land, strategically safeguarding his ferry operation from future competition.
Though MacGregor initially resided on the Wisconsin side, the first ferryman, James King, settled on the Iowa side in 1841, overseeing the vital transportation link. King remained a respected figure in the community until his death in 1872, with one obituary remembering him as “McGregor’s oldest citizen and first white occupant of the ground on which the city was built… He was a quiet, much-esteemed citizen and a favorite pioneer.” Alexander MacGregor married Ann Gardner in 1843, and four years later, in 1847, the couple moved across the river to the rapidly developing Iowa settlement, where they raised their four sons.
The Rise of MacGregor’s Landing and McGregor
By 1847, the burgeoning settlement on the Iowa bank was known as MacGregor’s Landing, a vibrant river community bustling with activity. The growing prosperity and population led to its official incorporation as the town of McGregor, Iowa, in 1857. This year also marked a significant milestone for the region as the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad extended its line to Prairie du Chien, effectively connecting Lake Michigan to the mighty Mississippi River by rail. Further railroad lines were constructed westward from McGregor, with North McGregor (later Marquette) serving as a crucial rail terminus. Trains arriving from the west at McGregor were meticulously disassembled, ferried across the river, and then reassembled on the Wisconsin side to continue their journey toward Lake Michigan.
Alexander MacGregor, the visionary founder, passed away in December 1858 at the age of 54, but his indelible mark on the community lived on. His wife, Ann, continued to reside in McGregor until her passing in 1890, witnessing the continued growth and evolution of the town her husband had helped establish.
Golden Age: A Bustling River Port
During its peak, McGregor, Iowa, experienced an astounding population boom, soaring to over 5,500 residents. The 1870s marked its zenith as the busiest shipping port west of Chicago. The city was a dynamic commercial hub, boasting an impressive 120 businesses, with 20 specifically dedicated to the shipping of grain and various goods. It served as a vital provisioning point, offering everything necessary for settlers pushing westward or for those merely passing through on their frontier journeys.
Steamboat traffic was the lifeblood of McGregor’s early economy. Between 1871 and 1872 alone, over 400,000 bushels of wheat, barley, oats, and corn were shipped out of the city via the Mississippi River. During the same period, city scales meticulously weighed 20,000 hogs, contributing to the production of five million pounds of pork. This era truly solidified McGregor’s reputation as a powerhouse of river commerce and agricultural trade.
The Shifting Tides: Decline and Transformation
The prosperity of McGregor, however, began to shift with advancements in transportation infrastructure. Improved highway networks and the continued expansion of railroads gradually diminished the critical role of steamboats. A significant turning point occurred in 1874 when John Lawler, a prominent Prairie du Chien businessman, commissioned the construction of a permanent pontoon bridge. This innovative bridge directly connected the two cities by rail, eliminating the laborious and time-consuming process of disassembling and reassembling trains. While a marvel of engineering, this development unfortunately led to a decline in many ferry-related jobs and contributed to a decrease in McGregor’s population.
That same year, North McGregor was incorporated, a community that would later be renamed Marquette, Iowa, in 1920, reflecting its close historical ties and continued evolution. The iconic ferry system, which once included vessels like the Wanamingo, Lorese, and Rob Roy, each making up to eight daily trips carrying goods and passengers, eventually gave way to more modern infrastructure. In 1932, a suspension bridge replaced the ferries, serving as the primary river crossing for decades. This suspension bridge was eventually closed and dismantled in the mid-1970s, making way for the Marquette-Joliet Memorial Bridge, which officially opened in 1974 and continues to serve the region today.
McGregor and Marquette Today: Historic Charm and Tourism
Today, both McGregor and Marquette, Iowa, gracefully retain much of their historic charm, even as their populations have settled to less than a thousand residents. The nationally registered historic downtown district of McGregor proudly showcases numerous buildings constructed during its booming years, offering visitors a tangible link to its past. As picturesque river towns on the Mississippi, McGregor and Marquette have become beloved tourist destinations.
The region is renowned for its unique natural and cultural attractions, including the nearby Native American Effigy Mounds National Monument, the breathtaking vistas of Pike’s Peak State Park, and the fascinating topography of the Driftless Area, characterized by its deeply carved river valleys that escaped glacial erosion. Beyond natural beauty and historical significance, McGregor is celebrated as a vibrant artists’ community, offering live local music and fine dining experiences, making it a compelling destination for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and natural splendor.
Conclusion
The journey of McGregor and Marquette, Iowa, from pioneer settlements to bustling commercial hubs and then to tranquil, historically rich tourist destinations, mirrors the broader narrative of America’s westward expansion and industrial evolution. Shaped by the ambition of figures like Alexander MacGregor and the enduring power of the Mississippi River, these towns have navigated economic shifts and technological advancements, always preserving their unique identity. Today, they stand as vibrant testaments to a rich past, inviting visitors to explore their charming streets, immerse themselves in their fascinating history, and enjoy the natural beauty that continues to define this remarkable corner of Iowa.
