Monti, Iowa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Monti, Iowa
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St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Monti was built in 1870 and operated until 2005.
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 Monti, Iowa
Location in Iowa
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Iowa |
| County | Buchanan |
| Government | |
| • Type | unincorporated community |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 319 |
Monti is a small, unincorporated community in Buchanan County, Iowa, in the United States. This means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Monti was founded in the 1880s and officially mapped out in 1905. It sits by the Buffalo Creek, about 6 miles (10 km) east of Quasqueton.
For a while, the railroad brought good times to Monti. But after World War II, the community started to shrink. Over the years, many businesses and services closed, like the train station, bank, stores, post office, and schools. Today, Monti is home to a few houses, a closed church, a cemetery, and the Monti Community Center.
Contents
Exploring Monti's Location
Monti is found in the northern part of Newton Township. This is the southeasternmost township in Buchanan County. The community is located along County Road W-45, where it meets Washington Avenue. This part of Washington Avenue is a gravel road.
A Journey Through Monti's History
Monti's story began in the late 1800s. Many Irish immigrants came to Iowa looking for new opportunities. The strong Catholic roots of the town come from these early Irish settlers.
The Early Days of Monti
A large church, St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Monti, was built in 1870. This was even before the community itself was officially formed! Monti really started to grow when the Hagen store and post office were built near this church, which people called the "Buffalo Church."
The Monti post office began operating around 1882. By 1887, Monti had about 100 residents. A creamery, where milk products were made, also operated here around 1895.
In 1902, the post office closed because mail delivery changed to Rural Free Delivery. This meant mail was now sent through nearby Masonville.
The Railroad Era and Growth
In 1905, the Chicago, Anamosa and Northern Railway was built through Monti. This brought new life to the community! Many new buildings were constructed that year. The town's layout was officially mapped, and St. Patrick's Church had 400 members. In 1902, Monti's population was 110 people.
The Monti Savings Bank opened in 1912. Other businesses included grocery stores, a hardware store, a restaurant, a barber shop, a dress shop, and a blacksmith shop.
Monti was a busy place in 1913. A famous photographer, E.R. Hensley, took a large photo of 70 students from St. Patrick's confirmation class. However, over time, people started moving away from rural areas. This caused Monti's population to shrink. The railroad was even sold for scrap after World War I. Today, you can still see parts of the old railroad path at the edge of the community. By 1917, Monti's population had dropped to just 17.
Monti's Natural Wonders
During the early to mid-1900s, Monti became known to birdwatchers. A famous bird expert, Fred J. Pierce, noted that a large wooded area near Monti was excellent for birdwatching. Between 1923 and 1928, he spotted unusual birds there, like the ruffed grouse and the cerulean warbler. As late as 1945, the Monti woods were home to at least 62 different kinds of birds. This area was one of the top birding spots in Iowa.
Changes in Education and Community Life
In 1947, five small rural school districts joined together to form the Monti Elementary School District. The new school building opened in 1948. Monti Hall was an important place for the community, hosting events like 4H meetings, dances, and other gatherings.
However, in 1966, the Monti Consolidated School District was closed. Students from the northern parts of the district went to East Buchanan Community School District, and those from the southern areas went to North Linn Community School District.
In 1998, RAGBRAI, a huge bicycle ride across Iowa, passed through Monti, bringing many visitors to the small community.
St. Patrick's Church and Community Center
In 2005, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, which had served the community for 135 years, closed its regular services. The church building is now an oratory, which means it can still be used for special religious services. The old Parish Hall was bought by the community and became the Monti Community Center. This center is still a busy place, hosting weddings, family reunions, and anniversaries throughout the year. St. Patrick's Church also continues to hold weddings and holiday masses.
In 2007, an interesting bridge was built at the eastern edge of Monti. It was made from two old train flatcars! This 89-foot (27 m) long bridge crosses Buffalo Creek on York Avenue.
Monti Today
Today, Monti is a very small farming community with fewer than two dozen residents. Since Monti was never officially incorporated as a town, its exact population numbers aren't usually recorded. However, about 423 people live in Newton Township, the area around Monti.
The community still has St. Patrick's Church and the Monti Community Center. The Monti Festival is a special event held every June. Students from Monti can attend school in either the East Buchanan Community or North Linn School Districts.
Monti can be a bit tricky to find on maps. The town of Monticello, about 30 miles (48 km) east, sometimes causes confusion because of the similar name. However, Monti does appear on the official State Map of Iowa. To find it, you can head east from Quasqueton on D-47, then turn right (south) onto County Road W-45. Follow this road south and east to a group of about six houses, which is the heart of the community. The large Catholic church is the easiest landmark to spot.
Parks and Outdoor Fun Near Monti
There are two great wildlife areas close to Monti for outdoor activities.
- Buffalo Creek Wildlife Area: This 52-acre (21 ha) park is about 1 mile (2 km) northwest of Monti. It was created in 1969. If you have the right permits, you can go hunting and fishing here.
- Newton Township Natural Area: About 3 miles (5 km) southeast of Monti, this larger park covers 158 acres (64 ha). Established in 1998, it's a great spot for canoeing, fishing, and hunting.
Images for kids
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Warner and Foote's 1886 map of Newton Township shows Monti. The plat map shows six houses, two schools, the Catholic church, and the post office/store.
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This is a panoramic photo of the 1913 confirmation class at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Monti.
