Union Block (Mount Pleasant, Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Union Block
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 109--113 W. Monroe Mount Pleasant, Iowa |
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| Built | 1861 |
| Architect | McCandless, William |
| Architectural style | Italianate, Vernacular Italianate |
| MPS | Mount Pleasant MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 91001110 |
| Added to NRHP | September 06, 1991 |
The Union Block is a historic building in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. It was built in 1861 by William McCandless. For many years, it served as offices and even held county court sessions. This building is famous for a very important event. In 1869, Arabella A. Mansfield became the first woman in the United States to get a license to practice law right here in the Union Block.
The third floor of the Union Block was once a lively place called the Opera House or Union Hall. It was a popular spot for community gatherings. Many important people who supported equal rights spoke there. These speakers included Frederick Douglass, who fought for civil rights, and Bronson Alcott, Anna Dickinson, and possibly Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who were early supporters of women's rights.
Sadly, the Union Block fell into poor condition over time. Preservation Iowa even listed it as one of the most endangered buildings. On January 25, 2011, a fire badly damaged the building.
Saving the Union Block: A Community Effort
After the fire, people in the community decided to act. They formed the Union Block Revitalization Committee. Their goal was to raise awareness and money to restore the historic building. Many people helped, and enough funds were collected to begin the renovation.
Restoring a Landmark for the Future
The hard work paid off! The Union Block reopened in August 2014. Now, the first and second floors are home to different businesses. The beautiful ballroom on the third floor was also restored and updated. Today, this hall is a busy place. It is used for many community gatherings, special events, and private parties. The Union Block stands as a symbol of history and community spirit in Mount Pleasant.
