National Register Listing

Middlefork Methodist Episcopal Church

a.k.a. Middlefork United Methodist Church

S of US 169 on E side of Middle Fork, Grand R., Redding, IA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

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 is known for its agricultural production, but did you know that it was once a major producer of coal? In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Iowa had more than 200 coal mines, and coal was the state's leading industry.
Iowa random facts
Ringgold County, Iowa is located in the southwestern part of the state. It was established on January 13, 1847, and is named after Major Samuel Ringgold, a hero of the Mexican-American War. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Konza and Ioway tribes, before European settlers arrived.

The early days of Ringgold County saw the arrival of pioneers from the east who were looking to establish agricultural communities. The first permanent settlement was established in 1846, near the present-day town of Mount Ayr. The county quickly grew as more settlers arrived and established towns such as Redding, Maloy, and Tingley.

During the Civil War, many young men from Ringgold County enlisted in the Union Army to fight for the preservation of the Union. The county experienced its own share of hardships during this time, including economic difficulties and the loss of many young men in battle.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ringgold County continued to grow and develop. The county expanded its agricultural operations, with corn and soybean farming becoming prominent. The establishment of railroads in the area also brought increased opportunities for trade and commerce.

Today, Ringgold County remains a primarily agricultural area, with a population of around 5,000 people. The county is known for its scenic beauty, including rolling hills and picturesque countryside. It continues to be a close-knit community with a strong sense of rural pride.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Ringgold County, Iowa.

  • 1846: Ringgold County is established as a county in the state of Iowa.
  • 1855: The first settlement is established in what is now Ringgold County.
  • 1857: The town of Mount Ayr is platted and becomes the county seat.
  • 1861-1865: Ringgold County residents contribute to the Union cause during the American Civil War.
  • 1875: The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad is completed, connecting Ringgold County to the rest of the state.
  • 1880s: Agriculture becomes the primary economic activity in the county, with farms producing crops like corn, wheat, and oats.
  • 1901: The Ringgold County Hospital is established in Mount Ayr.
  • 1925: The county courthouse is built in Mount Ayr, replacing the previous structure.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression hits Ringgold County hard, causing economic hardships for residents.
  • 1969: The Mount Ayr Wildlife Area is established in the county for hunting and outdoor recreation.
  • 1990s: The population of Ringgold County begins to decline, reflecting a trend seen in many rural areas.