Old Jail
a.k.a. Muscatine County Jail
411 E. 4th St., Muscatine, IA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
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.
One of the key figures in the early history of Muscatine County was Colonel George Davenport, who constructed a trading post in the area in 1833. The county was named after the Native American term "Masquoketa," meaning "those who have come early" or "those who have settled here first." The county grew rapidly in the mid-1800s due to the construction of infrastructure, such as the Iowa Central Railroad, which helped to facilitate trade and transportation.
Muscatine County's economy was initially based on agriculture, with crops such as wheat, corn, and oats being grown. However, the county's proximity to the Mississippi River also allowed for the development of industries such as logging and milling. The availability of natural resources, such as sandstone, led to the establishment of several quarries, which became an important industry in the county.
Throughout its history, Muscatine County has been known for its strong sense of community and civic involvement. The county has experienced periods of growth and development as well as challenges, such as economic downturns and natural disasters. Today, Muscatine County continues to thrive and is a vibrant community with a diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. With its rich history and natural beauty, Muscatine County remains a cherished part of Iowa's heritage.
Muscatine County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Muscatine County, Iowa.
- 1834: Muscatine County, Iowa, was established by the Legislative Assembly of Michigan Territory.
- 1835: The first white settler, Samuel Gordon, established a post office and named the area Bloomington.
- 1839: Bloomington was renamed Muscatine after the Meskwaki Indian tribe known as the "Musquitons."
- 1849: The first courthouse was constructed in Muscatine, which is the present-day location of the historic Muscatine County Courthouse Square.
- 1855: Muscatine became the first city in Iowa to establish a public library.
- 1870: Muscatine gained prominence in the pearl button industry and became known as the "Pearl Button Capital of the World."
- 1895: The Muscatine Melon was introduced, becoming a popular and widely cultivated variety of melon.
- 1934: US Route 61, also known as the Great River Road, was completed, running through Muscatine County.
- 1945: Stanley Consultants, a global engineering firm, was founded in Muscatine.
- 2011: The Muscatine Power and Water facility received the nation's first LEED Platinum certification for an electric power plant.