Chicago,Rock Island and Pacific Railroad: Stuart Passenger Station
Front St., Stuart, IAThis passenger station is the only structure remaining in Stuart to mark the community's 19th-century history as a division point on the Rock Island Railroad. In this role, with large shops, a roundhouse, and appurtenant structures, Stuart was a focal point of activity for one of Iowa's leading railroads, from the time the town was platted (1868-69) until the railroad moved its operations to Valley Junction (now West Des Moines) in 1897.
The Rock Island line reached this area in 1868, which was planned to serve as a division point from the start. The town was laid out by and named for, Charles A. Stuart, "working closely with railroad officials" (excerpt from Stuart history, 1870-1970, reprinted in Stuart Herald, 16 December 1976, p.10). The passenger station was among the earliest railroad structures to be erected, with a roundhouse following in 1871 and large brick shops (replacing earlier wooden structures) in 1874. The town was immediately prosperous, with most residents earning their living, directly or indirectly from the railroad. By 1893, Stuart's population was 2500, and the growing agricultural depression in the 1890s, however, produced a slump in the railroad's business (most of which in western Iowa was devoted to shipping corn, grain, and livestock). As the nation recovered, so did the railroad. The town of Stuart might have again prospered, too, but for the Rock Island's decision to move its facilities to Des Moines, more centrally located in the state and certainly more populous than Stuart.
The loss of the railroad shops resulted immediately in a loss of some 400 residents from the community, and the population of Stuart began a decline that continued well into the 20th century. Stuart managed to reorient its economy toward agriculture, but was never to have the vitality present in the "railroad years". Of all the railroad structures once so proudly boasted by the community, only the passenger station remains a "monument to the folly of trusting the prosperity of a town to a corporation." (Stuart Herald, 24 September 1897).
Local significance of the building:
The Rock Island line reached this area in 1868, which was planned to serve as a division point from the start. The town was laid out by and named for, Charles A. Stuart, "working closely with railroad officials" (excerpt from Stuart history, 1870-1970, reprinted in Stuart Herald, 16 December 1976, p.10). The passenger station was among the earliest railroad structures to be erected, with a roundhouse following in 1871 and large brick shops (replacing earlier wooden structures) in 1874. The town was immediately prosperous, with most residents earning their living, directly or indirectly from the railroad. By 1893, Stuart's population was 2500, and the growing agricultural depression in the 1890s, however, produced a slump in the railroad's business (most of which in western Iowa was devoted to shipping corn, grain, and livestock). As the nation recovered, so did the railroad. The town of Stuart might have again prospered, too, but for the Rock Island's decision to move its facilities to Des Moines, more centrally located in the state and certainly more populous than Stuart.
The loss of the railroad shops resulted immediately in a loss of some 400 residents from the community, and the population of Stuart began a decline that continued well into the 20th century. Stuart managed to reorient its economy toward agriculture, but was never to have the vitality present in the "railroad years". Of all the railroad structures once so proudly boasted by the community, only the passenger station remains a "monument to the folly of trusting the prosperity of a town to a corporation." (Stuart Herald, 24 September 1897).
Transportation; Exploration/settlement
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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.
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.
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.