National Register Listing

Wishard, Henry, House

a.k.a. Fenton House

406 W. Jefferson St., Bloomfield, IA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

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.

architecture commerce houses residential buildings
The town of Fort Atkinson, Iowa was established in 1840 as a military outpost to protect the Winnebago Indians from hostile neighboring tribes. It was the first military post west of the Mississippi River.
Iowa random facts
Davis County, located in southeastern Iowa, has a rich and diverse history. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ioway and Sauk people. In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive, attracted by the area's fertile land. However, conflicts with Native American tribes escalated, leading to the Black Hawk War in 1832. Following the war, peaceful coexistence was established.

The county was officially established on December 21, 1843, and was named after Garrett Davis, a Kentucky senator. The area grew rapidly in the mid-1800s as more settlers arrived and established farms and communities. Coal mining also became a significant industry in Davis County, contributing to its economic growth.

During the Civil War, many residents of Davis County enlisted in the Union Army, and the area actively supported the Union cause. After the war, the county continued to develop, with the construction of schools, churches, and businesses. The county seat, Bloomfield, became an important center for commerce and administration.

In recent years, Davis County has experienced some economic challenges, including the decline of coal mining and agricultural changes. However, the county continues to attract visitors with its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, such as Lake Wapello State Park. Today, Davis County remains a close-knit community that celebrates its history while looking towards the future.

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

  • 1843 - Davis County is officially established.
  • 1846 - The county seat is located in Bloomfield.
  • 1860 - The first railroad reaches Davis County.
  • 1866 - A courthouse fire destroys all county records.
  • 1895 - The county seat is moved from Bloomfield to Bloomfield Junction.
  • 1918 - A new courthouse is built in Bloomfield Junction.
  • 1963 - The courthouse in Bloomfield Junction is destroyed by fire.
  • 1966 - The county seat is moved back to Bloomfield.
  • 1982 - The present courthouse in Bloomfield is built.