[1] Dr. Asa Horr began the fundraising effort to build a town clock in Dubuque, Iowa in 1864.

The clock was built by New York City's Naylor & Co. and its frame was designed by architect William Longhurst.

George D. Wood gave a ten-year lease to the city for the clock to be placed on the John Bell and Company Store building which they owned.

An investigation into the matter reported that the foundation of the Bell Store was not sufficient to handle the clock's weight.

George Wood, who had owned the collapsed building, wanted the new town clock on his property, but John Bell was not interested in being a part of the project.

A partnership between architects Fridolin Heer, Sr. and Edward Naescher designed the new building, as well as plans for a new three-story tower.

The bell, which weighs over 4,200 pounds (1,900 kg), was cast by Naylor & Co. and the clock was built by Boston firm Howard & Co. Time was recorded via a subterranean transit instrument which was used to observe the passage of stars.

Two employees spent an hour and a half winding cranks that were attached to the weights, which would allow the clock to operate for one week.

In 1989, concerns were voiced about vibrations made by loud music and dancers possibly causing damage to the pedestal or the clock.