History

The History of Long Grove is closely identified with the very early history of Scott County and the state of Iowa. The town takes its name from the long, narrow strip of timber, which stretched from Walnut Grove northeast of present Scott Park Road to Allen's Grove several miles northwest. Having heard of the new "Blackhawk Purchase" Alexander and James Brownlie came to this area in August 1838. They followed the Mississippi River to the mouth of the Wapsi River, then west along its banks. After walking many miles, they reached a log cabin belonging to John and William Quinn. The Brownlie Brothers purchased the timber ridge from a man named Coates. The claim was purchased for $160, timberland and all the prairie theywished to own. In August 1838, the first log cabin was built, in a cluster of trees at the east edge of the timber. This is just south of the original town. The stage road to DeWitt and Dubuque passed through the village and a blacksmith shop and harness shop once lined the streets.