Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids
City
City of Cedar Rapids
Skyline of Cedar Rapids
Flag Official seal of Cedar Rapids Seal
Nickname(s):  City of Five Seasons
Motto(s):  "We Grow Here"
Location within Linn County and Iowa
Country	United States
State	Iowa
County	Linn County
Founded	1838
Government
• Type	Council-Manager
• Mayor	Brad Hart
Area
• Total	72.07 sq mi (186.67 km2)
• Land	71.22 sq mi (184.46 km2)
• Water	0.85 sq mi (2.21 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	133,562
• Density	1,900/sq mi (720/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP Codes	52401-52499
Area code(s)	319
Website	City of Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids is a city in Eastern Iowa, United States. It is the county seat of Linn County and the second-largest city in the state, following Des Moines. The city lies on both banks of the Cedar River, 20 miles north of Iowa City and 100 miles northeast of Des Moines, the state's capital and largest city.

History

Cedar Rapids was established in 1838, primarily by Osgood Shepherd who drew the first plot in 1841. The city's growth was aided by its location along the Cedar River, which allowed for water-powered mills, and later by the arrival of the railroad in the 1850s. The city was officially chartered in 1849.

Economy

The economy of Cedar Rapids is diverse, encompassing sectors such as manufacturing, aerospace, financial services, and food processing. Major companies such as Rockwell Collins (now part of Collins Aerospace), Quaker Oats Company, and Transamerica Corporation have significant operations in the city.

Culture

Cedar Rapids is known as the "City of Five Seasons," with the fifth season being a time to enjoy the other four. The city is home to several cultural institutions including the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, and the Paramount Theatre. The city also hosts the annual Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival, a major event during the summer.

Education

The city is served by the Cedar Rapids Community School District, which includes several high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. Higher education institutions include Coe College and Mount Mercy University.

Transportation

Cedar Rapids is served by Interstate 380, part of the Avenue of the Saints corridor between St. Louis, Missouri, and St. Paul, Minnesota. The Eastern Iowa Airport provides commercial flights to major cities.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Cedar Rapids had a population of 133,562. The racial makeup of the city was predominantly White, with significant African American, Asian, and Hispanic communities.

Notable people

Notable individuals from Cedar Rapids include painter Grant Wood, journalist and anchor Tom Brokaw, and NFL player Kurt Warner.

See also

• List of cities in Iowa
• Linn County, Iowa