National Register Listings in Story County, Iowa
Agriculture Hall
Alumni Hall
Ames High School
Ames Main Street Historic District
Bandshell Park Historic District
Briggs Terrace
Budd, Prof, J.L., Sarah M., and Etta Budd, House
Calamus Creek Bridge
Christian Petersen Courtyard Sculptures, and Dairy Industry Building
Colonials Club House
Delta Upsilon Chapter House
East Indian Creek Bridge
Edwards-Swayze House
Engineering Hall
Grand Auditorium and Hotel Block
Henryson, Henry T. and Emilie (Wiese), House
Herschel-Spillman Two-Row Portable Menagerie Carousel
Iowa Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon
Keigley Branch Bridge
Knapp-Wilson House
Lincoln Township Mausoleum
MacDonald, Gilmour B. and Edith Craig, House
Marston Water Tower
Masonic Temple
Morrill Hall
Mulcahy Barn
Municipal Building
Nevada Downtown Historic District
Octagon Round Barn, Indian Creek Township
Old Town Historic District
Pleasant Grove Community Church and Cemetery
Roosevelt School
Sheldahl First Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church
Sigma Sigma-Delta Chi Fraternity House
Skunk River Bridge
Wood, William Kennison, House
About Story County
Story County Timeline
Story County, Iowa has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1846. It was named after Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story and was initially settled by European pioneers who were attracted to the area for its fertile land. These early settlers faced challenges such as harsh winters and prairie fires, but persevered and built thriving communities.
In the mid-1800s, the construction of the Iowa Central Railroad played a significant role in the county's growth and development. The railroad brought increased trade and commerce, attracting more settlers and establishing towns such as Ames, which eventually became the county seat. Ames was also home to the Iowa State Agricultural College, now known as Iowa State University, which was founded in 1858. The establishment of the college helped shape the educational and cultural landscape of the county.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Story County benefitted from advancements in agriculture and technology. The county became known for its agricultural innovation and progressive farming practices. The introduction of hybrid seed corn, the growth of the livestock industry, and the modernization of farming equipment all contributed to the county's prosperity.
In more recent years, Story County has continued to evolve and thrive. It has become a hub for research and technology, with Iowa State University driving innovation and attracting businesses in fields such as bioscience, engineering, and renewable energy. The county also values its natural resources, with parks and recreational areas providing residents and visitors with outdoor activities and beautiful landscapes.
Overall, Story County's history is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and growth of its communities. From its early settlement to its prominence as a center for education and industry, the county has left a lasting impact on Iowa's history and continues to be a vibrant and thriving area today.
In the mid-1800s, the construction of the Iowa Central Railroad played a significant role in the county's growth and development. The railroad brought increased trade and commerce, attracting more settlers and establishing towns such as Ames, which eventually became the county seat. Ames was also home to the Iowa State Agricultural College, now known as Iowa State University, which was founded in 1858. The establishment of the college helped shape the educational and cultural landscape of the county.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Story County benefitted from advancements in agriculture and technology. The county became known for its agricultural innovation and progressive farming practices. The introduction of hybrid seed corn, the growth of the livestock industry, and the modernization of farming equipment all contributed to the county's prosperity.
In more recent years, Story County has continued to evolve and thrive. It has become a hub for research and technology, with Iowa State University driving innovation and attracting businesses in fields such as bioscience, engineering, and renewable energy. The county also values its natural resources, with parks and recreational areas providing residents and visitors with outdoor activities and beautiful landscapes.
Overall, Story County's history is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and growth of its communities. From its early settlement to its prominence as a center for education and industry, the county has left a lasting impact on Iowa's history and continues to be a vibrant and thriving area today.
Story County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Story County, Iowa.
- 1846 - Story County is established by the Iowa Legislature.
- 1851 - The first courthouse is built in Nevada, the county seat.
- 1853 - The Ames area is platted and settles begin to arrive.
- 1864 - Iowa State Agricultural College (now Iowa State University) is established in Ames.
- 1870 - Ames is incorporated as a city.
- 1887 - The first electric streetcar line is established in Ames.
- 1912 - The "Ames Model Farm" is created to showcase progressive farming practices.
- 1914 - The first airplane lands in Ames, marking the beginning of aviation in Story County.
- 1922 - Iowa State Center, a cultural and recreational complex, is established in Ames.
- 1961 - The Ames Laboratory is established by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.
- 1997 - The Reiman Gardens, a 17-acre public garden, opens in Ames.