National Register Listing

Decorah Commercial Historic District

Blks. 500-100 W. Water, 100-200 E. Water, 100 Washington, 100 Winnebago, parts of W. Main, Court & W. Day Spring, Decorah, IA
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Social History; Transportation; Industry

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2017.

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.

The Field of Dreams movie site, located near Dyersville, Iowa, attracts thousands of visitors each year. The site includes the baseball field used in the movie, as well as a gift shop and museum. The movie, starring Kevin Costner, was released in 1989 and has since become a beloved classic.
Iowa random facts
Winneshiek County is located in the state of Iowa in the United States. It was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota, Ho-Chunk, and Ioway. The first European settlers arrived in the area in the early 1840s, and in 1847, Winneshiek County was officially established. The county was named after Chief Winneshiek, a Ho-Chunk leader who was known for his friendship with European settlers.

The early economy of Winneshiek County was primarily focused on agriculture, with settlers establishing farms and raising livestock. The county's rich soil and favorable climate made it well-suited for farming, and as a result, agriculture became the backbone of the local economy. Over time, the county also saw the development of small industries, including flour mills and sawmills, which further contributed to its growth.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Winneshiek County experienced significant population growth, driven in part by immigration from Scandinavia. Norwegian and Danish immigrants, in particular, settled in the county and brought with them their cultural traditions and heritage. Today, the influence of Scandinavian heritage is still evident in the local community, with annual festivals and events celebrating these cultural ties.

In recent decades, Winneshiek County has seen a shift in its economy. While agriculture remains important, the county has also become known for its education and healthcare sectors. Luther College, a private liberal arts college, is located in Decorah, the county seat, and has played a significant role in the local economy. Additionally, Winneshiek Medical Center, a leading healthcare facility, has also contributed to the county's economic prosperity.

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

  • 1851 - Winneshiek County is established
  • 1852 - The first courthouse is built in Decorah, the county seat
  • 1857 - The Decorah Post Office is established
  • 1876 - The Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway reaches Decorah
  • 1879 - Luther College is founded
  • 1883 - The Decorah Public Library opens
  • 1885 - Winneshiek County Courthouse burns down, a new one is built in its place
  • 1914 - Decorah becomes the first city in Iowa to adopt the city manager form of government
  • 1964 - Upper Iowa University opens a branch in Decorah
  • 1997 - The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum becomes a National Historic Landmark
  • 2011 - Magellan Pipeline Co. spills gasoline into a stream, causing an environmental disaster