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Altitude: m. ASL.
Region:
United States > Iowa
Cache type: Traditional
Size: Small
Status:
Archived
Time required:
0:45 h
Distance to travel:
0.50 km
Date hidden: 2010-08-18
Date created: 2010-08-18
Date published: 2010-08-18
Last modification: 2012-08-02 
345 visitors 
1 x rated 
Rated as: n/a
Cache attributes
Description
EN
Poor farms were tax-supported residential institutions to which people were required to go if they could not support themselves. They were started as a method of providing a less expensive (to the taxpayers) alternative to what we would now days call "welfare" - what was called "outdoor relief" in those days.
If the need was great or likely to be long-term, they were sent to the poor farm instead of being given relief while they continued to live independently. Sometimes they were sent there even if they had not requested help from the Overseer of the Poor. That was usually done when they were found guilty of begging in public, etc.
The need to care for the poor or mentally ill had been established in the United States in the 1820’s as a duty of the state and local governments. This duty was recognized early in Dubuque County history.
In 1855 the Dubuque County supervisors decided to procure 160 acres in Julien Township for a “poor farm” to provide systematic care with economy.
The early care of the poor and mentally ill was crude by modern standards, reflecting the prevailing attitude that fresh air and work would be good for these “poor unfortunates” From the earliest days, “inmates” were expected to do farm chores to the extant of their abilities. The farm was to be self-supporting and the labor of the inmates would help compensate the county for their care. Crop farming and dairy production were primary functions of the farm until the 1960”s.
Bergfeld Recreation Area is located near the Dubuque Industrial Park West at Seippel Road and Chavenelle Drive. Includes pavilion, stocked fishing pond with handicap accessible fishing jetties, walk way around the pond, play equipment and rest rooms.
There are also plans in the future to extend the walking trails farther to the east, toward the area that was once the "county poor farm".
Parking is at 42*29.357n, 090*46.529w .
Do not park at nearby business or at the fairgrounds.
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