1ST Street – downtown Independence The Wapsipinicon River became the first road to Independence when Rufus B. Clarke, his Indian wife, and their sons, Seth and Mason, walked up its frozen surface from Quasqueton to Independence in March 1846. The Wapsipinicon became a dividing line between two villages, Independence and New Haven. New Haven’s growth…
Full Article >>The First Buchanan Co. Historical Society began in 1941, with R.J. Hekel, President. Because of WW 11 many of the early efforts were abandoned, but the donated artifacts at that time are still in our archives. The Second Buchanan Co. Historical Society began in 1961 with a Certificate of Incorporation being filed April, 24, 1961…
Full Article >>
John S. Johnson – inductee in 2003 for Veteran Road & track competitor (pre – 1945) Long before bicyclist Lance Armstrong was winning races and setting records, there was John S. Johnson who set a world record at Rush Park in Independence, Iowa in 1892. “He’s a Marvel,” proclaimed a headline in the Sept. 29,…
Full Article >>In the late 1800’s J.S. Bloom discovered through working with Iowa state University, that cattle benefited from eating the whole ear of corn rather than just the kernels. The ear acted as roughage and contained some nutrients. This knowledge led Smith to design, build and patient a corn cutter and crusher in 1901. The equipment…
Full Article >>It was in August of 1924 that A.R. Brandenburg came to Independence and opened his jewelry store at 205 1st St. E (The Brandenburg store in Waverly goes back to 1896) Mr. A.R. Brandenburg was a jeweler and optometrist and owned the building where “Total Image” is now located (2015). other businesses that have been…
Full Article >>Owned and operated by the Buchanan County Historical Society Partner Site of Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area Grist mills provide a rich architectural legacy. The Wapsipinicon Mill is a unique and outstanding example of how Iowans captured the power of rivers for commercial development. As pioneers moved and settled across Iowa, the need arose…
Full Article >>
This artist sketch or picture was found on an 1870 map of Buchanan County, Iowa. It was probably drawn in 1868 or 1869 before the mill was completed. Maps were generally dated with the publishing date to make the map more current. New Haven Mill stood in front of the Mill until August of 1870. …
Full Article >>