Iowa admitted as the 23rd State.
James Dickirson, a farmer and Joseph Hewitt an Indian trader along with their families and two men reach Clear Lake and camp near the present Outlet. By 1855 there were 8 families living in the area.
Settlement grows without friction with Winnebago tribe, but Sioux create short lived upset called “Grindstone War”
John Dickenson platted Clear Lake Village along the lake south from the current outlet to state park and Joseph Hewitt platted Clear Lake City north along the lake from the outlet to the current rail line.
Land is dedicated for a City Park. Fenced to keep out livestock.
Marcus Tuttle platted the town of Livonia east of the Lake where the current cemetary is located. Locals tried to move the County Seat to Livonia but it remained in Mason City.
The Clear Lake Independent newspaper was published but was short-lived. Read more at:
Twelve Clear Lake men volunteer to join the 12th US Infantry, fighting in major battles of the Civil War. Two Sirrine bothers and Hugh McGowan died.
Truman Woodford begins lumber business, later partners include George Wheeler and Winslow Tompkins.
The Observer newspaper established beginning a continous local newspaper publication
The Lake House opens across from City park. The later Rogers and Park Hotel on the site will provide lodging until 1987.