Catalpa
a.k.a. Wallace Farm
SE of Greenfield, Greenfield, IAThis farm is important for its association with the lives of two Iowa agricultural and political leaders who gained national prominence. Henry Catwell Wallace owned and edited the influential paper, Wallace's Farmer, and served as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1921-24. His son, Henry Agard Wallace, who continued the newspaper until his father's death in 1924, achieved prominence in national public life as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1933-40, Vice President of the United States, 1941-45, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, 1945-46, and presidential candidate of the Progressive Party in 1948.
The farm was one of several in Adair County purchased by Henry Cantwell's father during the period 1869-87, all of which were Teased to tenants. In 1877 Reverend Henry A. Wallace left the ministry and moved to Winterset, Madison County, Iowa, to look after these nearby land investments. It was not until 1887 however that this particular farm came to be directly operated by members of the Wallace family. At that time, a tenant left the farm and Henry C. Wallace, a student bored with his studies at Iowa State Agricultural College, convinced his father to allow him to take over and operate the property. After five years, during which time his son, Henry Agard was born, Henry C. Wallace returned to finish his degree at Ames and then remained there until 1895 as a member of the faculty. Thereafter, it was the new Wallace family newspaper in Des Moines that became the focus of the family economic endeavor. Yet, even in 1924 Henry C. owned a 280-acre farm eight miles north of Des Moines and his son, Henry A., owned forty acres adjoining.
By 1916 Wallace's Farmer was one of the leading agricultural papers in the United States. It took an active early role in antimonopoly legislation and led other agricultural newspapers in the attention it gave to agricultural economics.
Because of the strong role exerted by these individuals on agricultural and political affairs, the Wallace Farm merits a nomination. It was both directly connected with the formative years of these men and is illustrative of their subsequent activities.
Local significance of the building:
The farm was one of several in Adair County purchased by Henry Cantwell's father during the period 1869-87, all of which were Teased to tenants. In 1877 Reverend Henry A. Wallace left the ministry and moved to Winterset, Madison County, Iowa, to look after these nearby land investments. It was not until 1887 however that this particular farm came to be directly operated by members of the Wallace family. At that time, a tenant left the farm and Henry C. Wallace, a student bored with his studies at Iowa State Agricultural College, convinced his father to allow him to take over and operate the property. After five years, during which time his son, Henry Agard was born, Henry C. Wallace returned to finish his degree at Ames and then remained there until 1895 as a member of the faculty. Thereafter, it was the new Wallace family newspaper in Des Moines that became the focus of the family economic endeavor. Yet, even in 1924 Henry C. owned a 280-acre farm eight miles north of Des Moines and his son, Henry A., owned forty acres adjoining.
By 1916 Wallace's Farmer was one of the leading agricultural papers in the United States. It took an active early role in antimonopoly legislation and led other agricultural newspapers in the attention it gave to agricultural economics.
Because of the strong role exerted by these individuals on agricultural and political affairs, the Wallace Farm merits a nomination. It was both directly connected with the formative years of these men and is illustrative of their subsequent activities.
Agriculture; Politics/government
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
About National Register Listings
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.
In the mid-1800s, Iowa was a major hub for the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom in the North.
About Adair County
Adair County Timeline
Adair County, located in Iowa, has a rich history dating back to its early settlement in the mid-19th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, namely the Sauk and Meskwaki. The first European presence came in the 1830s with the establishment of a trading post. However, it wasn't until the 1850s that permanent settlements were established by white settlers.
Adair County was officially organized in 1851 and named after John Adair, a prominent Kentucky governor and U.S. Congressman. The county experienced rapid population growth during this time, with immigrants from the eastern United States and European countries moving in to take advantage of the fertile farming lands and economic opportunities. Additionally, the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further spurred development in the area, facilitating transportation and trade.
Agriculture has always been a significant economic driver in Adair County. Farmers primarily cultivated crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. Livestock farming also played a crucial role, with cattle and hog production becoming important sectors. The county's agricultural output continued to expand, and improvements in technology and irrigation methods further boosted productivity.
Throughout its history, Adair County has faced challenges, including extreme weather events such as floods, tornadoes, and droughts. The Great Depression of the 1930s also impacted the county's economy, leading to significant population decline. However, the resilience and determination of the residents helped the area recover and prosper in the subsequent years.
Today, Adair County thrives as a vibrant community with a diverse economy. While agriculture remains a vital industry, the county has also seen growth in manufacturing, education, healthcare, and tourism sectors. With its rich history and commitment to progress, Adair County continues to be a place where both residents and visitors can enjoy a high quality of life.
Adair County was officially organized in 1851 and named after John Adair, a prominent Kentucky governor and U.S. Congressman. The county experienced rapid population growth during this time, with immigrants from the eastern United States and European countries moving in to take advantage of the fertile farming lands and economic opportunities. Additionally, the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further spurred development in the area, facilitating transportation and trade.
Agriculture has always been a significant economic driver in Adair County. Farmers primarily cultivated crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. Livestock farming also played a crucial role, with cattle and hog production becoming important sectors. The county's agricultural output continued to expand, and improvements in technology and irrigation methods further boosted productivity.
Throughout its history, Adair County has faced challenges, including extreme weather events such as floods, tornadoes, and droughts. The Great Depression of the 1930s also impacted the county's economy, leading to significant population decline. However, the resilience and determination of the residents helped the area recover and prosper in the subsequent years.
Today, Adair County thrives as a vibrant community with a diverse economy. While agriculture remains a vital industry, the county has also seen growth in manufacturing, education, healthcare, and tourism sectors. With its rich history and commitment to progress, Adair County continues to be a place where both residents and visitors can enjoy a high quality of life.
Adair County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Adair County, Iowa.
- 1851: Adair County was officially established.
- 1853: The first recorded settlement, called Adair City, was established.
- 1855: The county seat was temporarily moved to Fontanelle.
- 1855: The county seat was permanently established in Greenfield.
- 1890: The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad reached Adair County.
- 1895: The Creston and Northern Railway was built through Adair County.
- 1912: The Orient Railway was extended into Adair County, providing another transportation route.
- 1945: The Greenfield Municipal Airport was established.
- 1980: The Van Meter State Park was officially dedicated.