National Register Listing

Neessen, Chris, House

601 E. 4th, Wellsburg, IA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

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
During World War II, Iowa was home to several prisoner of war camps, where German soldiers were held captive. The largest of these camps was located in Algona, Iowa, and housed more than 10,000 prisoners at its peak.
Iowa random facts
Grundy County, Iowa has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Sauk and Meskwaki peoples, who lived off the land and traded with European settlers. The first European settlement in Grundy County was established in 1851, with the town of Elkport serving as the county seat.

The early settlers of Grundy County were primarily pioneers and farmers, attracted to the area by its fertile soil and abundant natural resources. They quickly established thriving communities, with townships like Beaman, Dike, and Morrison springing up across the county. The county's economy was largely based on agriculture, with crops like corn and soybeans being the mainstay of the farming industry.

Grundy County played an important role in the development of the railroad system in Iowa. In the late 19th century, the county became a hub for several major railroad lines, including the Chicago and North Western Railway and the Illinois Central Railroad. These railways facilitated the transport of goods and people, and contributed to the growth of towns and industries in Grundy County.

Over the years, Grundy County has seen its fair share of challenges and triumphs. From weather disasters like tornadoes and floods to economic ups and downs, the county has persevered and continues to thrive. Today, Grundy County is known for its strong community spirit, beautiful natural landscapes, and rich agricultural heritage.

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

  • 1851: Grundy County was established on January 15th.
  • 1852: The first settlement, called "Dutchend," was established near the future town of Morrison.
  • 1853: Grundy Center was founded as the county seat and became an official town.
  • 1854: The county's first school, called the Twin Grove School, was built.
  • 1860: The population of Grundy County reached 1,693 people.
  • 1863: A courthouse was built in Grundy Center.
  • 1875: The first newspaper in the county, the Grundy County Reflector, began publication.
  • 1884: The Chicago Great Western Railway reached Grundy County, boosting transportation and trade.
  • 1918-1919: The Spanish influenza pandemic affected Grundy County, causing illness and deaths.
  • 1934: Grundy County Memorial Hospital was founded.
  • 1949: The Grundy County Heritage Museum was established to preserve local history and artifacts.
  • 1957: The Grundy County Fairgrounds were built near Grundy Center.
  • 2008: The Wells-Bower Post No. 351 American Legion Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.