National Register Listing

Science Hall

a.k.a. Henry A. Wallace Hall of Science

Simpson College Campus, Indianola, IA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Iowa.
Iowa was one of the first states to grant women the right to vote. In 1869, the Iowa state legislature passed a law allowing women to vote in school board elections. This was more than 50 years before the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted women the right to vote nationwide.
Iowa random facts
Warren County, Iowa has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Ioway, Sac, and Meskwaki tribes. These tribes primarily relied on hunting, fishing, and agriculture for their livelihoods.

The first European settlers arrived in the early 1840s, attracted by the fertile land. In 1846, Warren County was officially organized, named after General Joseph Warren, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The county's first settlers faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with Native American tribes and the hardships of pioneer life. However, as more settlers arrived, communities began to emerge, and agriculture became the driving force behind the county's economy.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Warren County continued to grow and prosper. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s brought new opportunities for trade and transportation. The county became known for its production of corn, soybeans, and livestock, and farming remained the backbone of the local economy. Towns like Indianola, the county seat, became bustling centers of commerce and culture, boasting schools, churches, and other amenities.

Despite economic challenges during the Great Depression, Warren County rebounded as the United States entered World War II. The county played a significant role in supporting the war effort, and its agricultural output contributed to feeding a nation at war. After the war, Warren County experienced increased industrialization and urbanization, as more people moved to the area seeking job opportunities. Today, Warren County continues to be a thriving community with a diverse economy, while still preserving its agricultural roots and rich historical heritage.

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

  • 1846: Warren County, Iowa is established as a county.
  • 1851: Indianola is chosen as the county seat.
  • 1854: The first courthouse is built in Indianola.
  • 1861-1865: Warren County residents serve in the Civil War.
  • 1875: The second courthouse is built in Indianola.
  • 1876: The first railroad is built in Warren County.
  • 1890s: Warren County experiences a coal mining boom.
  • 1910: A new courthouse is constructed in Indianola.
  • 1930s: Warren County is severely affected by the Great Depression.
  • 1960s: Warren County's population starts to grow rapidly.
  • 1975: The historic Red Bridge is moved to Summerset State Park.
  • 1998: The Warren County Veterans Memorial Building is dedicated.
  • Today, Warren County is a thriving community with a diverse economy.