National Register Listing

Lu Verne City Jail

a.k.a. Old Calaboose

307 Third St., Lu Verne, IA
Local significance of the building:
Law; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

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.

law architecture jails and prisons
Audiobooks about the history of Iowa.
Iowa was part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, but it wasn't until 1833 that the first permanent settlement was established in what is now the city of Burlington.
Iowa random facts
Kossuth County, Iowa has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1851. The county was named after Lajos Kossuth, a Hungarian revolutionary hero. Originally, the land was occupied by the Dakota Sioux, Sac, and Fox tribes, but European settlers began to arrive in the mid-19th century.

As pioneers settled in the area, small farming communities began to form. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s brought significant growth and prosperity to Kossuth County, connecting the region to larger markets and facilitating the transport of goods. Agriculture became the major industry, with corn and livestock farming dominating the landscape.

During the late 19th century, Kossuth County experienced a wave of immigration, particularly from Germany and Scandinavia. These settlers brought with them their rich cultural heritage, influencing the local traditions and customs that can still be seen today. The county seat, Algona, emerged as a vibrant town with a bustling downtown area featuring a courthouse, shops, and schools.

In the 20th century, Kossuth County faced challenges such as the Great Depression and the decline of small family farms. However, the community remained resilient and adapted to changing times. Today, Kossuth County is known for its strong agricultural economy, friendly communities, and beautiful natural scenery, including the scenic Des Moines River and numerous parks and trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

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

  • 1847 - Kossuth County is established.
  • 1850 - The first settlers arrive in the county.
  • 1851 - The town of Algona is founded.
  • 1855 - Kossuth County's first courthouse is constructed.
  • 1860 - The population of Kossuth County reaches over 1,500.
  • 1863 - The town of Burt is incorporated.
  • 1870 - The railroad reaches Kossuth County, boosting its economy.
  • 1875 - The town of Swea City is established.
  • 1880 - German immigrants form a significant portion of the county's population.
  • 1890 - The town of Wesley is incorporated.
  • 1900 - Kossuth County's population exceeds 15,000.
  • 1913 - The county's first electric lights are installed in Algona.
  • 1920 - The town of Lakota is established.
  • 1930 - The Great Depression affects the county, causing economic hardship.
  • 1950 - The population of Kossuth County peaks at over 22,000.
  • 1965 - The Kossuth County Historical Society is founded.
  • 1970 - Agriculture remains the dominant industry in the county.
  • 1990 - The county experiences a decline in population due to changing agricultural practices.
  • 2000 - Kossuth County's population is around 17,000.