"Opening of the Midwest" Mural in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 2011

Mural located at the courthouse in Cedar Rapids Iowa depicting the Midwest region’s major industries as American’s moved West.

Courtesy of Library of Congress, Highsmith, Carol, "Mural "Opening of the Midwest," by Robert Francis White at Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, Cedar Rapids, Iowa," 2011

Description

This mural is located at the courthouse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It depicts the Midwest region's major industries as Americans moved West. The image shows men working on the railroads, turning prairie land into farms and the rise of factories in the region. The mural was created by Robert Francis White in 1937.

Source-Dependent Questions

Which three industries are represented in the image?
What is the significance of the first panel on the left?
How has the middle panel impacted the state of Iowa?
Explain what the third panel is showing.
What do all the panels suggest about the uniqueness of the American Midwest?

Citation Information

Highsmith, Carol, "Mural "Opening of the Midwest," by Robert Francis White at Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, Cedar Rapids, Iowa," 2011. Courtesy of Library of Congress