Remembering (the real) Kate Shelley

“Late in the afternoon of July 6, 1881, heavy, black clouds rolled up from the horizon and the…

A Glimpse of Life on a County Poor Farm

In the 19th century Iowans were struggling to care for the state’s dependent population…

Iowa: A First-in-the-Nation History

Each caucus season Iowa receives national coverage about our state and its role in winnowing the…

Moving History: A Mason City Success Story

Written by Paula Mohr, Architectural Historian, State Historic Preservation Office of Iowa

This post is part of a week-long series from the State Historic Preservation Office of Iowa in honor of #Preservation50, commemorating the…

Time Traveling….Manning’s Past Takes a Step Into the Future

Written by Paula Mohr, Architectural Historian, State Historic Preservation Office of Iowa

This post is part of a week-long series from the State Historic Preservation Office of Iowa in honor of…

March into History at Fort Donelson

Van Buren County native Voltaire Paine Twombly led a successful life after humble beginnings in…

Maquoketa Hotels Usher in a New Era

Before an economic boom rumbled into Jackson County on the new railroads in the 1860s, the site…

An Enduring Symbol of Tragedy

So here’s a question: If a group of strangers broke into your home one night and murdered your family…

Discover Remnants of an Ancient Culture in Iowa

Credit Island Battlefield and the War of 1812

Did you know one of the battles of the War of 1812 broke out in Iowa?