Mother Mosque of America - Cedar Rapids, IA

The Mother Mosque of America in Cedar Rapids is the oldest purpose-built mosque still standing in the United States. Erected in 1934 by a community of Lebanese and Syrian immigrants, its simple, Midwestern schoolhouse style reflects the era and its humble origins. The mosque served as a critical hub for prayer, education, and social gatherings for decades before the community outgrew it. After falling into disrepair, it was restored in 1992 and now stands as a protected landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it functions as a museum and cultural center that educates visitors about early Muslim American history and fosters interfaith dialogue.

Key features

Historic landmark: The mosque is on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized as a vital symbol of American religious history.

Simple architecture: Unlike larger, more ornate mosques, its prairie schoolhouse style is modest and functional, reflecting its community-built origins during the Great Depression.

Small dome and crescent: The small green dome and crescent-topped pinnacle are the only significant exterior features that distinguish it as a place of Muslim worship.

Educational and cultural center: While no longer serving as the primary place of worship for the local Muslim community, it is used for educational purposes and interfaith outreach.

Symbol of resilience: The mosque's history, which includes restoration after being sold and falling into disrepair, embodies the perseverance of early Muslim immigrants.

Lost archives: A devastating flood in 2008 destroyed many of the mosque's original artifacts, books, and records, making preservation of the remaining site even more crucial.