National Register Listing

Rector, Jason and Elizabeth Baylor, House

a.k.a. Rector House

2174 Bluff Rd., Thurman, IA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

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 houses residential buildings
Audiobooks about the history of Iowa.
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is located in West Branch, Iowa. Hoover, who served as the 31st president of the United States from 1929 to 1933, was born in West Branch and spent much of his early life in Iowa. The museum includes exhibits on Hoover's life and presidency, as well as a collection of his personal papers and artifacts.
Iowa random facts
Fremont County, Iowa is located in the southwestern part of the state and has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Omaha and Otoe tribes. The land was acquired through various treaties, such as the 1830 Treaty of Prairie du Chien, which opened up parts of Iowa for settlement.

The county was officially established in 1847 and was named after John C. Fremont, an American explorer and military officer who played a significant role in mapping the western territories. In its early years, Fremont County was primarily agricultural, with settlers building farms and trading posts along the Missouri River, which served as a vital transportation route.

During the mid-19th century, Fremont County saw an influx of settlers, particularly during the California Gold Rush. The county became an important stop along the Missouri River, serving as a supply point for travelers heading west. Numerous steamboats docked at the county's riverfront towns, such as Hamburg and Percival, contributing to their growth.

However, Fremont County also faced challenges over the years, including devastating floods caused by the unpredictable Missouri River. In 1952 and 2011, severe flooding caused extensive damage to the area. Despite these challenges, the county persevered and rebuilt, with community members coming together to support each other during times of crisis.

Today, Fremont County continues to be an agricultural region, with farming and livestock playing a significant role in its economy. The county also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with historic sites, museums, and annual festivals celebrating its history.

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

  • 1851 - Fremont County is established as one of the original counties of Iowa
  • 1853 - Sidney becomes the first county seat of Fremont County
  • 1858 - The county seat is moved to Hamburg due to better transportation options
  • 1860 - A steam-powered grist mill is built in Hamburg
  • 1864 - The first courthouse is constructed in Sidney
  • 1871 - The county seat is moved back to Sidney
  • 1888 - A new courthouse is built in Sidney after the old one burns down
  • 1904 - The first paved roads appear in Fremont County
  • 1906 - The Sidney Bridge is constructed, connecting Fremont County to Nebraska
  • 1935 - The town of Bartlett is incorporated
  • 1979 - A major flood occurs in the county, causing significant damage
  • 2009 - The "Saturday Evening Post" mural is unveiled in Sidney, depicting the town's history