National Register Listings in
Boone County, Iowa

Barkley, Alonzo J. and Flora, House Beaver Creek Bridge Big Creek Bridge Big Creek Bridge 2 Boone Bridge 2 Boone County Courthouse Boone Viaduct Cassel, Carl and Ulrika Dalander, House Champlin Memorial Masonic Temple Des Moines Township #7 Ericson Public Library First National Bank Herman, John H., House Perrigo-Holmes House Riekenberg, J. H., House Squaw Creek Bridge Squaw Creek Bridge 2 Stoll Building Works
In the early 1900s, the town of Villisca, Iowa was the site of a gruesome murder that remains unsolved to this day. On June 10, 1912, eight people were bludgeoned to death with an axe in their home. The crime is known as the Villisca Axe Murders and has been the subject of numerous books, films, and TV shows.
Iowa random facts
Boone County, Iowa, located in the heart of the Midwest, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. Originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, the county's history began to take shape when European settlers arrived in the early 1800s. In 1841, the county was officially established and named after the famous American frontiersman, Daniel Boone.

During the mid-19th century, the introduction of railroads greatly influenced Boone County's growth and development. The Chicago and Northwestern Railroad brought rapid expansion to the county, attracting new industries and settlers. The town of Boone, situated at the heart of the county, quickly became a railroad hub, fueling its economy and population growth.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Boone County experienced a number of significant events that shaped its history. In 1880, the Kate Shelley High Bridge was completed, a railway bridge that gained national fame when a young girl named Kate Shelley risked her own life to prevent a train disaster. This event brought national attention to Boone County and solidified its place in American folklore.

In the early 20th century, Boone County faced the challenges brought by the Great Depression and World War II. However, the county rebounded with the help of government programs, and its agricultural sector continued to thrive. Today, Boone County remains rooted in agriculture, while also embracing new industries and technologies. It is known for its friendly communities, scenic landscapes, and ongoing efforts to preserve its rich history.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Boone County, Iowa.

  • 1846 - Boone County is established as a county in the state of Iowa.
  • 1851 - The first courthouse in Boone County is built in Boonesboro (now Boone).
  • 1871 - The Chicago and Northwestern Railway reaches Boone County, leading to an influx of settlers and economic growth.
  • 1883 - The Kate Shelley High Bridge is completed, becoming an iconic symbol of Boone County.
  • 1893 - Boone County suffers from the effects of the Panic of 1893, a severe economic depression.
  • 1901 - The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad is established, attracting tourists and preserving the region's railway history.
  • 1933 - The Great Depression greatly affects Boone County, leading to high unemployment rates and economic struggles.
  • 1960s - The Farm Crisis hits Boone County and the rest of rural America, causing financial hardship for farmers.
  • 1990s - Boone County experiences population growth and economic development.
  • 2009 - The U.S. Supreme Court rules that a disputed land in Boone County belongs to the state of Iowa.