- Dunkerton, Iowa
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Dunkerton, Iowa — City — Location of Dunerton, Iowa
Coordinates: 42°34′6″N 92°9′36″W / 42.56833°N 92.16°WCoordinates: 42°34′6″N 92°9′36″W / 42.56833°N 92.16°W Country 
United StatesState 
IowaCounty Black Hawk Area – Total 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km2) – Land 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km2) – Water 0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2) Elevation 955 ft (291 m) Population (2000) – Total 749 – Density 792.9/sq mi (306.2/km2) Time zone Central (CST) (UTC-6) – Summer (DST) CDT (UTC-5) ZIP code 50626 Area code(s) 319 FIPS code 19-22845 GNIS feature ID 0456065 Dunkerton is a city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States. The population was 749 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Waterloo–Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Contents
History
In 1853 two brothers, James and John Dunkerton, walked from Dubuque, Iowa, to stake out a claim of land near Lester. This claim became the town known as Lesterton, and later Dunkerton. In 1854 John died and was buried in the small cemetery which now holds 4 generations of Dunkertons. James remained and built up his land. In 1855 he married his cousin, Joanne/ At 60 years of age, James and his eldest son, sold a portion of their land to the railroad, requesting that the railroad be extended to Iowa. This act enabled the present City of Dunkerton to be established. [currently no reference available, will update at a later date]
Attractions
The Dunkerton Bridge is a piece of history, spanning over Crane Creek from the City to the Charma Park. The pedestrian bridge, built in 1909, is still usable today. [1]
In honor of Dunkerton's Veterans, the City has put up a brand new Memorial. It is located on Canfield Rd. and Main St. and is the beginning to the city project of turning the flood zone into beautiful park areas.[2]
Arts and culture
Dunkerton celebrates "Dunkerton Days" in late July, with a car show, a parade, mud volleyball tournament, fishing derby and bike races among other local activities. The highlight of Dunkerton Days is the fireworks show which brings many people from surrounding areas.[3]
Dunkerton Public Library
The Monday following Dunkerton Days traditionally marks the beginning of "I Can Read Too Days", in which the Dunkerton First Graders (8 year olds) receive books for the first time in an effort to promote literacy in rural Iowa.
After many years of city planning and fundraising, the Dunkerton Public Library was rebuilt out of the flood zone and opened its doors in Spring, 2011. The new facility includes computers, expanded inventory, and a special children's section.[4]
Geography
Dunkerton is located at 42°34′6″N 92°9′36″W / 42.56833°N 92.16°W (42.568329, -92.160075)[5].
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.9 square miles (2.3 km2), all of it land.
Demographics
As of the census[6] of 2000, there were 749 people, 269 households, and 206 families. The population density was 792.9 people per square mile (307.6/km²). There were 292 housing units at an average density of 309.1 per square mile (119.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.26% White, 0.13% Native American, 1.20% Asian, 1.34% Pacific Islander, 0.80% from other races, and 0.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.80% of the population.
There were 269 households out of which 41.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.2% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.4% were non-families. 19.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.18.
In the city the population was spread out with 29.0% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 8.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 99.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $41,771, and the median income for a family was $48,229. Males had a median income of $31,083 versus $24,167 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,863. About 4.4% of families and 5.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.2% of those under age 18 and 3.5% of those age 65 or over.
Notable people
- William Hootkin, best remembered for his role as Jek Porkins, red six x-wing pilot in the 1977 film "Star Wars"
- Dax McMillin, Guns N' Roses official number one fan. Also the inventor and performer of the "Daxel Rose" dance move/gyration.[7]
References
- ^ http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/IA/Black+Hawk/state.html
- ^ http://wcfcourier.com/columnists/staff/article_610808f1-747e-5936-9aa1-dfdfdb38525b.html
- ^ http://www.cityofdunkerton.org/events.html
- ^ http://www.dunkerton.lib.ia.us/
- ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/gazette.html. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
- ^ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Daxel%20Rose&defid=6037214
External links
- City Data Comprehensive Statistical Data and more about Dunkerton
Municipalities and communities of Black Hawk County, Iowa Cities Cedar Falls | Dunkerton | Elk Run Heights | Evansdale | Gilbertville | Hudson | Janesville‡ | Jesup‡ | La Porte City | Raymond | Waterloo
Townships Barclay | Bennington | Big Creek | Black Hawk | Cedar | Cedar Falls | Eagle | East Waterloo | Fox | Lester | Lincoln | Mount Vernon | Orange | Poyner | Spring Creek | Union | Washington
Unincorporated
communitiesFootnotes ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties
Categories:- Populated places in Black Hawk County, Iowa
- Cities in Iowa
- Waterloo – Cedar Falls metropolitan area
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