keosauqua, Iowa

 

Historical Sites

Keosauqua, at 1,076 occupants, is the largest of the villages of Van Buren whose total county population numbers just 7,836. Keosauqua was laid out in early 1839 well before statehood. In 1857, a four-story flour mill was built here.

There were several other businesses and industries operating by the mid-1800s including a saw mill, pottery plant, plow factory, wagon factory, tanneries, and a packing plant. Standard Gauge rail service came to Keosauqua in 1880.

Keosauqua's rich history can still be seen today about anywhere you look around the community. We are proud of our past and continue to do our very best to preserve those important pieces of history that pay tribute to the resourceful and determined pioneers who settled this area what will soon be two-hundred years ago.

Van Buren County Courthouse
Built in 1840, Keosauqua has the oldest continuously operational courthouse in Iowa, & the second oldest in the United States. The Federal-styled structure was completed in 1843 and was one of the largest building west of the Mississippi River at that time.

In 1846, the courthouse was the site for the first legal death sentencing in Iowa, with the subsequent execution taking place in nearby Hangman's Hollow.

The original courtroom has been restored, is open to the public, & tours are available when court is not is session. For more information on the Van Buren Courthouse, please call 800-TOURVBC or 319-293-7111.

Pearson House
Constructed in 1847, this half-stone & half-brick home is one of the most memorable house in Keosauqua. A prominent stop on the Underground Railroad, escaping slaves were hidden within a secret basement room until it was safe for them to proceed with their journey to freedom.

Maintained by the Van Buren County Historical Society, the Pearson House is open for touring.

For more information on the Pearson House or the Van Buren Historical Society, please call 319-293-3211. More Info

Twombly Building Museum
Built in the 1870's, for Congressional Medal of Honor winner Voltaire P. Twombly the Twombly Building is the only remaining large stone building in Keosauqua.

This building was originally used as a dry goods & grocery store below with a newspaper office on the second floor. The building currently is home to the Van Buren Historical Society Museum. For more information on the Twombly Building or the Van Buren Historical Society, please call 319-293-3211.More Info

Hotel Manning
With the appearance of a riverboat beached upon the banks of the Des Moines River, Hotel Manning offers a functional glimpse of the late 19th century. Originally built as a single-story structure to house a general store and bank, an additional two stories were added in the 1890's when the building was transformed into a hotel.  More Info

Mansion Inn Located high on the hill in Keosauqua, this stately mansion was built circa 1870 by Edwin Manning, a founder of Keosauqua, of brick that was fired on the site. The house has 22 rooms on three floors. Today it is a popular Bed & Breakfast.  Click for More Info