National Register Listing

Laurens Carnegie Free Library

a.k.a. Laurens Public Library

263 N. 3rd St., Laurens, IA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

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.

architecture social history library
The famous explorers Lewis and Clark passed through Iowa in 1804 on their journey to the Pacific Ocean, but they didn't actually set foot on Iowa soil. The expedition traveled along the western border of Iowa, which was then part of the Missouri Territory.
Iowa random facts
Pocahontas County, Iowa, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux and Sac and Fox Nations. The tribes relied on the land for hunting, fishing, and agriculture, and evidence of their settlement can still be found in the form of burial mounds and artifacts.

European settlers began arriving in the area in the mid-19th century. The county was officially established in 1851 and named after the famous Native American princess, Pocahontas. The settlers faced many challenges, including harsh winters, but they persevered and established small farming communities.

During the early 20th century, Pocahontas County experienced significant development and growth. Improved transportation infrastructure, including railroads and highways, opened up the area for trade and commerce. The county became known for its agricultural production, particularly in corn and soybeans.

In more recent years, Pocahontas County has faced economic and demographic challenges, as many rural areas have. The population has decreased, leading to a decline in services and amenities. However, efforts are being made to promote tourism, preserve the county's history, and revitalize the local economy. Overall, Pocahontas County's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people throughout the years.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Pocahontas County, Iowa.

  • 1851 - Pocahontas County is established
  • 1861 - The town of Pocahontas is founded
  • 1882 - The railroad reaches Pocahontas County, leading to increased commerce and population growth
  • 1900 - Pocahontas County's population reaches its peak at over 18,000 residents
  • 1913 - The town of Havelock is incorporated
  • 1930s - Pocahontas County is heavily impacted by the Great Depression
  • 1950s - The population of Pocahontas County begins to decline due to changes in agriculture and rural flight
  • 1970s - The county experiences an oil and gas boom, leading to temporary economic growth
  • 1992 - The town of Plover is incorporated
  • Present - Pocahontas County continues to be a rural agricultural community with a population of approximately 7,000