While the 19th century saw the incorporation and maturation of Dubuque, it was the 20th century that defined the oldest city in Iowa. With the 20th century came the industrialization and globalization of America. For the average citizen of Dubuque, America's rise to international superpower meant the loss of sons to wars overseas, the loss of land to large manufacturers, and ultimately the loss of innocence. In the face of the extraordinary social, political, and economic changes of 20th century America, Dubuque remained what it had always been: a great place to raise a family. The city's reputation as a bustling center of trade along the Mississippi continued with the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914. Even with the emergence of the automobile, the railroads and river steamboats of Dubuque still continued to evolve. Dubuque adapted, and this ability to adapt inevitably came to define this city in the 20th century, whether it be in response to the Great Depression, World War II, or the Civil Rights movement. The city of Dubuque proved itself capable of overcoming the rapid changes of this last great century.

From the Images of America series.

John Tigges has been a writer for over 30 years and has published many novels, history books, and articles. James Shaffer, a professional photographer for over 50 years, is a member of the National Press Photographers Association and the Iowa Press Photographers Association. Both native Dubuquers, together they authored Dubuque in the 19th Century, Dubuque in the 20th Century, Then & Now: Dubuque, The Mississippi River: Father of Waters, and Railroads of Dubuque.