1846

Iowa admitted as the 23rd State.

1851

James Dickirson, a farmer and Joseph Hewitt an Indian trader along with families and two men reach Clear Lake and camp near the present Outlet.

1855

Settlement grows without friction with Winnebago tribe, but Sioux create short lived upset called “Grindstone War”

1856

City lots are platted and City Park is set aside as a public space.  Oscar Stevens and Edwin Nichols construct first saw mill and grain mill.

1857

James Dickirson builds Lake House Hotel across from City Park, First School building constructed

1860- Clear Lake Indendent newspaper published but short lived  (Read about the History of Clear Lake Newspapers here)

1869- Truman Woodford begins lumber business, later partners include George Wheeler and Winslow Tompkins

1870– Island House Hotel constructed on the Island as a resort