National Register Listing

Old Harrison County Courthouse

401 Locust, Magnolia, IA
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

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.

politics government architecture law courthouses buildings
Audiobooks about the history of Iowa.
The famous explorers Lewis and Clark passed through Iowa in 1804 on their journey to the Pacific Ocean, but they didn't actually set foot on Iowa soil. The expedition traveled along the western border of Iowa, which was then part of the Missouri Territory.
Iowa random facts
Harrison County, Iowa has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 1800s. The county was named after William Henry Harrison, the ninth President of the United States and hero of the Battle of Tippecanoe. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Omaha, Otoe, and Missouri tribes.

European settlers began to arrive in the area in the 1830s, attracted by the fertile land and the opportunity for farming. The first white settler in Harrison County was Samuel Davis, who built a cabin near what is now Missouri Valley. Early settlers faced challenges such as harsh winters, prairie fires, and conflicts with Native American tribes.

The county was officially established in 1851 and grew rapidly in the following years. The arrival of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad in the 1860s further fueled growth and development. Communities such as Logan, Missouri Valley, and Woodbine sprang up along the railroad lines, becoming important centers of commerce and transportation.

Over the years, Harrison County has experienced various economic booms and downturns. The county's economy was heavily reliant on agriculture, with corn, soybeans, and livestock being the main sources of income. In the 20th century, the construction of the Harlan Reservoir brought additional economic opportunities to the area, including tourism and recreational activities.

Today, Harrison County continues to thrive as a vibrant community. It is home to a diverse population and offers a wide range of recreational and cultural activities. The county's rich history is celebrated through museums, historical landmarks, and events that showcase the area's heritage.

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

  • 1839: Harrison County is established.
  • 1852: The first public school is opened in Harrison County.
  • 1857: The towns of Magnolia and Missouri Valley are platted.
  • 1860: The first courthouse is built in Logan, the county seat.
  • 1864: The Pony Express begins its service through Harrison County.
  • 1870: The Chicago and Northwestern Railroad reaches Harrison County.
  • 1887: The Harrison County Historical Society is founded.
  • 1916: The Missouri River flood causes extensive damage in Harrison County.
  • 1930: The Loess Hills State Forest is established in the county.
  • 1950: The Boyer River Reservoir is constructed in Harrison County.