View of Mississippi River, looking North from Mother House Grounds, Dubuque, Iowa
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Looking north at the great Mississippi River which is one of the world’s major river systems in size, habitat diversity and biological productivity, and is the second longest river in the United States. Land was purchased in 1889 with part of the money the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) received as part of an indemnity of $6,400 for buildings of theirs burned in Philadephia. The school and convent in Dubuque was moved south of Dubuque. The convent was called Mount Carmel and and the land, St. Joseph's Prairie. Mount Carmel Motherhouse sits on 110 acres overlooking the Mississippi River. In the past, the building was the spiritual home for nearly 600 Sisters in the community. The motherhouse is also the administrative center of the congregation. Number 22535.