Second Baptist Church
422 S. 18th St., Centerville, IAThe Second Baptist Church of Centerville, Iowa from 1902 is locally significant under Criterion A for its association with a strong black community in a southern Iowa town, and it meets Criteria Consideration A as it derives its significance from its ethnic association.
Although no records or written history exist prior to 1902, it is said that the 2nd Baptist congregation was organized in 1893 by the Reverend P.W. Jones with 12 members. No list of names, addresses, and occupations has been located. It is believed, however, that many, if not most, were involved in coal mining.
Coal mining began in Appanoose County in the 1870s with important mines located in the Mystic and Centerville area. By 1895 Appanoose County boasted more mines than any other county in the state, with a map indicating the location of over 80 mines within its boundaries. The mining industry hired many minority groups, including European immigrants and blacks. Following the Civil War, many former slaves moved north into Iowa. The 1880 U.S. census showed 40 blacks living in Centerville, only two of which were not born in a southern state, and both of these were children. By 1895 the number of blacks in Centerville had grown to 188 and represented 3.39 percent of the population.
Local significance of the building:
Although no records or written history exist prior to 1902, it is said that the 2nd Baptist congregation was organized in 1893 by the Reverend P.W. Jones with 12 members. No list of names, addresses, and occupations has been located. It is believed, however, that many, if not most, were involved in coal mining.
Coal mining began in Appanoose County in the 1870s with important mines located in the Mystic and Centerville area. By 1895 Appanoose County boasted more mines than any other county in the state, with a map indicating the location of over 80 mines within its boundaries. The mining industry hired many minority groups, including European immigrants and blacks. Following the Civil War, many former slaves moved north into Iowa. The 1880 U.S. census showed 40 blacks living in Centerville, only two of which were not born in a southern state, and both of these were children. By 1895 the number of blacks in Centerville had grown to 188 and represented 3.39 percent of the population.
Black
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
About National Register Listings
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.
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The Iowa State Fair, one of the largest and oldest state fairs in the country, was first held in 1854 in Fairfield, Iowa. Today, it is held in Des Moines and attracts more than a million visitors each year.
About Appanoose County
Appanoose County Timeline
Appanoose County, located in south-central Iowa, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Fox, Sac, and Iowa tribes. European settlement began in the early 19th century, spurred by the establishment of Fort Des Moines in 1843. In 1844, the county was officially organized and named after Chief Appanoose, a respected Fox warrior.
During the mid-19th century, Appanoose County experienced rapid growth due to its fertile soil and abundant natural resources. Settlers primarily engaged in agriculture, particularly farming and livestock production. The county's connection to the expanding railroad network in the late 1800s further stimulated its economy, leading to the establishment of several towns and the growth of trade and industry.
Appanoose County played a significant role in the development of the coal mining industry in Iowa. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mining became one of the county's primary economic activities, employing thousands of people and leading to the growth of mining towns such as Coalfield and Brazil. However, as the demand for coal declined, the industry gradually declined, leading to economic challenges for the county.
Today, Appanoose County is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. It is home to Lake Rathbun, a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping. The county also boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, museums, and theaters. Despite the ups and downs in its history, Appanoose County continues to thrive as a close-knit community that celebrates its rich heritage while embracing opportunities for growth and development.
During the mid-19th century, Appanoose County experienced rapid growth due to its fertile soil and abundant natural resources. Settlers primarily engaged in agriculture, particularly farming and livestock production. The county's connection to the expanding railroad network in the late 1800s further stimulated its economy, leading to the establishment of several towns and the growth of trade and industry.
Appanoose County played a significant role in the development of the coal mining industry in Iowa. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mining became one of the county's primary economic activities, employing thousands of people and leading to the growth of mining towns such as Coalfield and Brazil. However, as the demand for coal declined, the industry gradually declined, leading to economic challenges for the county.
Today, Appanoose County is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. It is home to Lake Rathbun, a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping. The county also boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, museums, and theaters. Despite the ups and downs in its history, Appanoose County continues to thrive as a close-knit community that celebrates its rich heritage while embracing opportunities for growth and development.
Appanoose County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Appanoose County, Iowa.
- 1843: Appanoose County is established by an act of the Iowa Legislature.
- 1846: The first settler, John Davis, arrives in the county.
- 1851: The city of Centerville is platted, becoming the county seat.
- 1854: The county's first newspaper, "Appanoose Flag," is published.
- 1861-1865: Many residents of Appanoose County serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
- 1869: The county's first railroad, the Burlington and Southwestern, is completed.
- 1875: A devastating fire destroys much of the downtown area of Centerville.
- 1907: The county courthouse, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is completed.
- 1930s: Appanoose County, like much of the nation, is heavily impacted by the Great Depression.
- 1940s-1950s: The county experiences a decline in population due to economic challenges and changing agricultural practices.
- 1970s: Appanoose County begins to see growth in industries such as manufacturing and healthcare.
- Present: Appanoose County remains an agricultural hub, while also diversifying its economy to include tourism and recreation.