kids encyclopedia robot

National Register of Historic Places listings in Keokuk County, Iowa facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Map of Iowa highlighting Keokuk County
Location of Keokuk County in Iowa

Have you ever wondered about the old buildings and special places in your town or county? Many places have a rich history! In Keokuk County, Iowa, there's a special list of places that are super important to American history. This list is called the National Register of Historic Places.

It's like a hall of fame for buildings, sites, and objects that tell us stories about the past. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its historical or architectural importance. This helps protect these places so future generations can learn from them too.

In Keokuk County, Iowa, there are 10 places that have been added to this important list. Let's explore some of them!

Historic Places in Keokuk County, Iowa

Bruce Goldfish Fisheries

Bruce House
The Bruce Goldfish Fisheries site

The Bruce Goldfish Fisheries is located east of Thornburg. This unique site was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 20, 1982. It's a reminder of a time when goldfish farming was an important local business.

Keokuk County Courthouse

Keokuk County, Iowa Courthouse
The Keokuk County Courthouse

The Keokuk County Courthouse is a grand building found on Main Street in Sigourney. Courthouses are often central to a county's history and government. This one was recognized for its importance on July 2, 1981.

Lancaster School

The Lancaster School
The historic Lancaster School

Southeast of Sigourney, you'll find the old Lancaster School. School buildings are important because they show us how education used to be. This school was added to the National Register on October 4, 1984.

Masonic Opera House

The Masonic Opera House
The Masonic Opera House in What Cheer

The Masonic Opera House is located at 201 Barnes Street in What Cheer. Opera houses were once popular places for entertainment and community gatherings. This historic building joined the list on June 4, 1973.

Public Square Historic District

Sigourney iowa
The Public Square Historic District in Sigourney

In Sigourney, the area around the Keokuk County Courthouse is known as the Public Square Historic District. This means a whole group of buildings and the square itself are considered historically important. It was listed on April 29, 1999.

Ramsey Building

Ramsey Building
The Ramsey Building in Keota

The Ramsey Building is at 204 East Broadway Avenue in Keota. Old commercial buildings like this one often tell us about the businesses and daily life of a town long ago. It was added to the National Register on April 24, 2017.

Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church Historic District

Saints Peter and Paul Church - Clear Creek, Iowa 09
Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church

Southeast of Harper, you'll find the Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church Historic District. This district includes the church and other related buildings. It was recognized for its historical value on August 6, 1986.

Sigourney Public Library

The Sigourney Public Library
The Sigourney Public Library building

The Sigourney Public Library, located at 203 North Jefferson Street, is another important building in Sigourney. Libraries are places of learning and community. This library was added to the National Register on May 23, 1983.

C.F. and Mary Singmaster House

C.F. and Mary Singmaster House
The C.F. and Mary Singmaster House

The C.F. and Mary Singmaster House is a historic home located at 32263 190th Street in Keota. Old homes can give us a glimpse into how people lived in the past. This house was listed on January 16, 1998.

Theodore White House

The Theodore White House is on Broadway Street in South English. This house was added to the National Register on July 14, 1983, for its historical significance.

Former Listings

Sometimes, places are removed from the National Register of Historic Places. This can happen if they are destroyed or if they lose their historical importance. Here are a few places in Keokuk County that were once on the list:

Delta Covered Bridge

DELTA COVERED BRIDGE
The Delta Covered Bridge before it was destroyed

The Delta Covered Bridge was located south of Delta, crossing the North Skunk River. It was listed on November 8, 1974. Sadly, this historic bridge was destroyed by an arsonist in 2003 and was removed from the list on November 3, 2003.

Hayesville Independent School

The Hayesville Independent School was at 231 Washington Street in Hayesville. It was listed on August 3, 1990, but was later removed from the list on October 15, 2014.

What Cheer City Hall

The What Cheer City Hall was located at Barnes and Washington Streets in What Cheer. It was added to the National Register on August 27, 1981, but was later delisted on March 15, 2004.

kids search engine
National Register of Historic Places listings in Keokuk County, Iowa Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.