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Waterloo, Iowa

Located in Black Hawk County, Iowa, Waterloo was established in 1845. The five Sullivan brothers from Waterloo all died when the USS Juneau sank in 1942. Their story led to the 'sole survivor' military policy and inspired Saving Private Ryan.
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Founded 1845 | Population 66,000 | Peak 66,000 (2024) | County Black Hawk County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Waterloo, Iowa

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1845 Founded: Cedar River settlement.
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1895 Rath Packing: Major meatpacking center.
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1942 Sullivan Brothers: Five brothers killed on USS Juneau.
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1942 Military Presence: Military installations became a major part of Waterloo's identity and economy.
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2010 Modern Era: Waterloo continued to develop as part of the region, with new infrastructure and community amenities.
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Latest News in Waterloo

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 …

Complete Historical Timeline

1845 Culture
Founded
1895 Industry
Rath Packing
1942 Disaster
Sullivan Brothers
1942 Government
Military Presence
2010 Culture
Modern Era

Did You Know?

1
The five Sullivan brothers from Waterloo all died when the USS Juneau sank in 1942.
2
Their story led to the 'sole survivor' military policy and inspired Saving Private Ryan.
3
John Deere has major manufacturing operations here.
4
Waterloo is located in Black Hawk County, Iowa.
5
Waterloo was founded in 1845.

Famous People from Waterloo, Iowa

LH
Lou Henry Hoover
President, Politician · Born Mar 29, 1874 · Died Jan 7, 1944 (age 69)
MB
Michele Bachmann
Lawyer, Politician · Born Apr 6, 1956 · Age 69
JA
Julie Adams
Actor, Celebrity · Born Oct 17, 1926 · Died Feb 3, 2019 (age 92)
AD
Adam DeVine
Screenwriter, Actor · Born Nov 7, 1983 · Age 42
EJ
Edwin Thompson Jaynes
Physicist, Mathematician · Born Jul 5, 1922 · Died Apr 30, 1998 (age 75)

Other Cities in Iowa

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DM
Des Moines
Pop. 212,759
CR
Cedar Rapids
Pop. 137,710
D
Davenport
Pop. 101,000
SC
Sioux City
Pop. 85,000
A
Ankeny
Pop. 75,000
IC
Iowa City
Pop. 74,000
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