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Council Bluffs, Iowa

Located in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, Council Bluffs was established in 1846. Lincoln designated Council Bluffs as the eastern terminus of the transcontinental railroad. Called Kanesville when it was a major stop on the Mormon Trail.
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Founded 1846 | Population 63,000 | Peak 63,000 (2024) | County Pottawattamie County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Council Bluffs, Iowa

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1846 Mormon Trail: Kanesville — major Mormon way station.
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1863 Transcontinental Railroad: Lincoln designates eastern terminus.
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1995 Casino Development: Riverboat and casino gaming.
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2010 Modern Era: Council Bluffs continued to develop as part of the region, with new infrastructure and community amenities.
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Latest News in Council Bluffs

Jan 1, 1970
Trump Takes Risk Skipping Debate Challenging Murdoch
DES MOINES, Iowa — On January 28, 2016, Donald Trump made a bold call that shook up the Republican primary race: he skipped a ke…
Jan 1, 1970
Jeb Bush Polling One Percent Iowa and 4 Percent Florida
WASHINGTON — Jeb Bush’s presidential bid hit a rough patch on January 25, 2016, as polls showed him languishing at just 1 …
Jan 1, 1970
Carly Fiorina Says English Official Language United States
Washington, DC – On January 22, 2016, Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina stirred up debate during a campaign event …
Jan 1, 1970
Bernie Sanders Breaks Fundraising Records Raising More 20 Million One
Washington, D.C. – On November 27, 2015, Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign made headlines by shattering fundraising re…

Complete Historical Timeline

1846 Culture
Mormon Trail
1863 Transport
Transcontinental Railroad
1995 Business
Casino Development
2010 Culture
Modern Era

Did You Know?

1
Lincoln designated Council Bluffs as the eastern terminus of the transcontinental railroad.
2
Called Kanesville when it was a major stop on the Mormon Trail.
3
Twin city with Omaha across the Missouri River.
4
Council Bluffs is located in Pottawattamie County, Iowa.
5
Council Bluffs was founded in 1846.

Famous People from Council Bluffs, Iowa

LF
Lee de Forest
Engineer, Physicist · Born Aug 26, 1873 · Died Jun 30, 1961 (age 87)
AF
Art Farmer
Composer, Trumpeter · Born Aug 21, 1928 · Died Oct 4, 1999 (age 71)
HL
Harry Langdon
Screenwriter, Comedian · Born Jun 15, 1884 · Died Dec 22, 1944 (age 60)
ES
Ernest B. Schoedsack
Screenwriter, Actor · Born Jun 8, 1893 · Died Dec 23, 1979 (age 86)
TG
Thomas Gilman
Amateur Wrestler · Born May 28, 1994 · Age 31

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