Waterloo, IA
Music connected to Waterloo
About Waterloo
- • Actor Michael Michele, known for "ER," was born and raised in Waterloo.
- • The "Waterloo Boy" tractor, a John Deere predecessor, was developed here.
- • Its location on the Cedar River made it a key transportation and industrial hub.
- • Local legend says a "sea serpent" once inhabited the Cedar River near town.
- • The Great Depression significantly impacted Waterloo's manufacturing and agriculture.
- • Named after Napoleon's battle, Waterloo was established in 1845.
- • With 74,192 residents, it is Iowa's sixth-largest city.
- • At 840 feet above sea level, the terrain is relatively flat.
- • Manufacturing, especially agricultural machinery, drives the local economy.
- • Waterloo feels like a resilient community with a strong, blue-collar spirit.
- • The Iowa Barnstormers of the Indoor Football League play in nearby Des Moines.
- • Waterloo Columbus High School has multiple Iowa state football championships.