Lansing Fisheries Building

a.k.a. Lansing Fish Hatchery;Lansing Fish Rescue Station

Between Co. Hwy. X-52 and the Mississippi R., south Lansing, Lansing, IA
The Lansing Fisheries Building is significant under National Register Criterion A for its association with the fish conservation work carried out under the direction of the State Fish and Game Warden (after 1931 the Iowa Fish and Game Commission, and after 1935 the State Conservation Commission.) From the turn of the century until about 1940, the fish conservation program in Iowa consisted of restrictive laws coupled with fish rescue, captive breeding, and restocking. All three of the latter operations were carried out at Lansing. In this regard, the structure reflects the earlier philosophy of wildlife conservation which placed greater emphasis on species propagation and relatively less emphasis on habitat protection and wildlife ecology, as discussed in subsection II of Section E, "Wildlife Conservation."
Local significance of the building:
Conservation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Iowa has been home to several famous actors and actresses, including John Wayne, Ashton Kutcher, and Donna Reed. John Wayne was born in Winterset, Iowa, and Ashton Kutcher grew up in Cedar Rapids. Donna Reed, who won an Academy Award for her role in the movie "From Here to Eternity," was born in Denison, Iowa.
Allamakee County, located in northeastern Iowa, has a rich and diverse history that spans back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota, Ho-Chunk, and Iowa. These tribes relied on the natural resources of the region such as the Mississippi River for trade and sustenance.

European settlers first arrived in the area in the early 1800s, attracted by the fertile land and abundant wildlife. The county was officially established in 1847 and was named after the Native American chief Allamakee, who was known for his friendly relations with the early settlers. Throughout the 19th century, Allamakee County experienced rapid growth and development as more pioneers moved in and established farms and towns.

The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s brought further prosperity to the county, enabling the transportation of goods and allowing for greater economic opportunities. The towns of Waukon, Lansing, and Harpers Ferry became important trading centers in the region. Agriculture, particularly dairy farming, became one of the primary industries in Allamakee County.

In the 20th century, Allamakee County saw some challenges, including the Great Depression and the decline of the agricultural industry. However, the county managed to adapt and diversify its economy, with an increased focus on tourism and outdoor recreation due to its scenic natural beauty. Today, Allamakee County attracts visitors with its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant communities that celebrate the region's rich history and culture.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Allamakee County, Iowa.

  • 1837 - Allamakee County is established.
  • 1851 - The county seat is officially established in Salem.
  • 1855 - Waukon becomes the new county seat after a heated election.
  • 1857 - Allamakee County experiences a population boom due to the newly constructed railroad.
  • 1878 - The Upper Mississippi River Fish and Wildlife Refuge is established along the county's eastern border.
  • 1935 - The Great Depression hits Allamakee County hard, leading to economic struggle for many residents.
  • 1980s - Tourism becomes an important industry in the county, with visitors attracted to its scenic beauty.
  • 2010 - Allamakee County celebrates its 175th anniversary.