Located in the east-central part of the state of Iowa and a city and seat of Johnson County, Iowa City is situated south of Cedar Rapids on the Iowa River. The area was founded as a territorial capital of the state, however, it lost to the state capital Des Moines in 1857, however, the area was able to retain the University of Iowa. Upon the arrival of the railroad, Iowa City became an important disposal point for the westward immigrants. It was the starting point for the Mormon handcart expedition in the state of Utah. Iowa City’s economy was largely based on the university and its medical center that was supplemented by light industries and manufacturers.