Big Rock, Iowa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Big Rock, Iowa
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 Big Rock, Iowa
Location in Iowa
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| Country | United States |
| State | Iowa |
| County | Scott County Clinton County |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.33 sq mi (0.85 km2) |
| • Land | 0.33 sq mi (0.85 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 676 ft (206 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 49 |
| • Density | 148.48/sq mi (57.40/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 563 |
| GNIS feature ID | 454621 |
Big Rock is a small community in Iowa, United States. It's located in both Scott and Clinton counties. This community got its name from a very large rock nearby.
Contents
Where is Big Rock?
Big Rock is found in the northwest part of Scott County. It's at the spot where County Road Y42E and 317th Street meet. The community is northwest of Dixon and south of Wheatland.
How Many People Live Here?
In 2020, the population of Big Rock was 49 people. This number comes from the U.S. Decennial Census.
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 49 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The History of Big Rock
Big Rock was started in 1855 by a person named Peter Goddard. He chose the name because of a big rock in the area.
Past Businesses and Life
For 113 years, a very important business in Big Rock was Horstmann's General Store. This was a place where people could buy groceries, supplies, and many other things. The store closed in 2010 after its owner passed away.
Long ago, Big Rock also had a railroad station, a place to buy wood called a lumber yard, a dance hall, and a tavern. All of these places have closed down over time. The town also has a local cemetery with graves dating back to the mid-1880s.
Shipping and Ice Trade
Big Rock used to be a busy place for shipping wood and timber. It also helped distribute ice to the surrounding areas. This ice came from a small waterfall in a wooded area. Workers would bring the ice from the woods and slide it down a big hill to deliver it to the town and the rail yard.
Community Gatherings
Even today, the people of Big Rock sometimes get together for "Big Rock Days." This is a special celebration for the community. It often takes place in front of the large rock that gave the town its name.
