McGregor sprouted from a ferry boat landing that Alexander MacGregor and Thomas Burnett established in 1837. This landing eventually grew into one of the most important shipping depots west of Chicago.

It was 1847 when MacGregor hired a surveyor to plot out a six-block area which later became known as McGregor upon its incorporation in 1857.

Bits of history, such as its rapid growth as Gateway to the West; a near lynching of a railroad official by unpaid workers at the present American House; floods; fires; the story of how the famous Ringling Brothers Circus had its beginning in McGregor back yards; a visit from Jesse James on the Moody farm south of town; the colorful story of Diamond Jo Reynolds, whose steamboat shipping office still stands in McGregor and is listed in the National Historic Register; business tycoon, William Huntting's 20-room mansion, credited today with being one of northeast Iowa's finest examples of 19th century architecture; and many other stories, make McGregor unique in historical lore.

Today, more than 871 people reside in McGregor. Visitors and residents enjoy a host of great antique and specialty shops, quaint bed & breakfasts, unique restaurants, unlimited river recreation, Pikes Peak State Park, Spook Cave & Campground.

Provided above is a brief overview of the history that surrounds McGregor and Marquette. This is intended as short synopsis of our history and certainly does not cover all of the historic events that have happened in our area over the years.

McGregor Historical Museum- 254 Main Street, McGregor; (563) 873-2221 Open Thursdays - Saturdays, 11 - 3; Sundays 1 - 3; and by appointment.

McGregor Public Library- 334 Main Street, McGregor   (563) 873-3318

McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce- 146 Main Street, McGregor (563) 873-2186