History

On April 19, 1884, with a population of 200, Cedar Rapids became an official village. Cedar Rapids was named for the abundance of cedar trees growing along the banks of the fast running river which ran adjacent to the village. A branch line of Union Pacific began operations through Cedar Rapids on November 28, 1884. Cedar Rapids is home to a Lutheran, a United Methodist, and a Catholic Church. The Riverside Public school system is known not only for student projects and innovations in the school curriculum but also for its beautiful athletic field, including a track, football field, softball field and trees of all types. The State Champion American Buckeye tree graces the front of the building complex.

Accomplishments

Our community improvements and economic development attracted attention from coast to coast. Cedar Rapids was featured in a video “Two Towns Too Tough To Die,” on how small towns revitalize themselves.

Iowa Public Television produced a tape of the Cedar Area Small Business Development Association (CASBDA) a first ever revolving loan organization. This tape was broadcast by Nebraska Public Television.

Cedar Rapids has taken part in the Nebraska Community Improvement Program (NCIP) since 1990 and received awards in various categories as well as overall. Fifty newspapers printed news releases of Cedar Rapids as a “can do” community selected by the Department of Economic Development. Paul Harvey picked up on our unique “Cow Patty Golf Course.” Nebraska television stations aired footage on us for their “Town for a Day” series.

Other publications our community has been featured in include:

Education

Pre-K through Grade 12
Riverside Public Schools was formed when Cedar Rapids Public School and Spalding Public School merged in 2014. Pre-K through Grade 5, and Grades 9-12 attend the Cedar Rapids site, and Pre-K through Grade 8 attend the Spalding site. Riverside Public Schools has 242 students in Pre-K through 12th grade, and 60 teachers. This is for both the Cedar Rapids and Spalding sites. Extracurricular activities offered include many different sports, cheerleading, dance team, music and drama programs, and clubs such as FCA, FFA, FBLA.

For more information contact the school office at (308) 358-0640 or visit the Riverside Public Schools website.

Library

The Cedar Rapids Public Library is a member of the Northeast Library System which provides inter-library loan service and periodical access from Wayne State College. Activities include a summer reading program and story hour. They provide monthly themes and Internet access to library users. The building is handicapped accessible.

Phone (308) 358-0603 or visit the Cedar Rapids Public Library’s website.

Churches

Organizations

Image Gallery