National Register Listing

Ringgold County Jail

201 E. Monroe St., Mount Ayr, IA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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 jails and prisons
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
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.