National Register Listing

Historic Railroad District

Main St. to BNSFRR tracks between Washington & Marion., Ottumwa, IA
Local significance of the district:
Social History; Transportation; Architecture; Landscape Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.

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.

railroads
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is located in West Branch, Iowa. Hoover, who served as the 31st president of the United States from 1929 to 1933, was born in West Branch and spent much of his early life in Iowa. The museum includes exhibits on Hoover's life and presidency, as well as a collection of his personal papers and artifacts.
Iowa random facts
Wapello County, Iowa has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Meskwaki and the Ioway, who relied on the land for hunting and gathering. European settlement began in the early 19th century, with the first permanent settlers arriving in the 1830s.

The county was officially established in 1844 and was named after Wapello, a prominent Meskwaki chief. It quickly grew as more settlers moved into the area, attracted by fertile soil and abundant natural resources. The establishment of coal mines and the construction of railroads in the late 19th century further fueled the area's development, leading to rapid population growth and industrialization.

By the early 20th century, Wapello County had become a thriving center of coal mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. However, like many other communities in the region, it was hit hard by the Great Depression in the 1930s. The decline of coal mining and the challenges faced by the agricultural sector had a significant impact on the county's economy.

In recent years, Wapello County has experienced efforts to diversify its economy and promote economic growth. The county has seen investments in industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Today, Wapello County continues to be an important hub for the region, with a strong agricultural sector, a growing healthcare industry, and a proud heritage that is celebrated through various historical sites and events.

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

  • 1843: Wapello County is established as a county in Iowa.
  • 1844: Ottumwa, the county seat, is founded.
  • 1855: The first courthouse in Ottumwa is built.
  • 1861-1865: Wapello County residents serve in the American Civil War.
  • 1877: The first railroad, the Burlington, Cedar Rapids, and Minnesota Railway, is built in the county.
  • 1901: Ottumwa experiences a severe flood.
  • 1916: The Greater Ottumwa Park is officially opened.
  • 1976: The Wapello County Historical Museum is established.
  • 2008: The Great Iowa Flood causes significant damage in Ottumwa and Wapello County.
  • 2017: The renovation of the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa is completed.