Keokuk in Lee County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
First Permanent Jewish House of Worship in Iowa
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, April 19, 2012
1. First Permanent Jewish House of Worship in Iowa Marker
Jews have been part of the social, economic and cultural life of Iowa since the early 19th century. It was not until 1855 that the Jewish population in Keokuk grew large enough to establish a religious community, Congregation Bnai Israel (Children of Israel). The congregation initially rented space for religious worship at the corner of Main and 7th streets. Through the combined efforts of both Jews and Christians alike, funds were raised and a permanent synagogue was constructed at 8th and Blondeau Streets in 1877. The building was sold, in 1938, to the Keokuk Gospel Center to continue as a house of faith until 1957 when it was torn down. Congregation Bnai Israel, in Keokuk, affirmed the American principle of freedom of religion and assembly.
Erected 2006 by Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, City of Keokuk, Iowa Jewish Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation., and the Synagogues series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.
Location. 40° 23.881′ N, 91° 23.033′ W. Marker is in Keokuk, Iowa, in Lee County. It is on 7th and Blondeau
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Regionally, this marker is in Southern Iowa. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: National Association for Music Education (a few steps from this marker); Chief Keokuk (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); William "Bill" Logan (about 500 feet away); Judge William Logan (about 500 feet away); Burnham and Root (about 500 feet away); Charlotta Gordon Pyles (about 500 feet away); Mary Huiskamp Calhoun Wilkins (about 800 feet away); Elsa Maxwell (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Keokuk.
Regarding First Permanent Jewish House of Worship in Iowa. In the 1880's, Keokuk, Iowa was home to the largest Jewish community in the mid-west.
Also see . . . The Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation. The Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation is a non-profit, volunteer organization. The purpose of the Society is to identify and recognize sites of American Jewish Historical interest. The Society sponsors and promotes programs of local and national historic interest. Cooperating with local Historical Societies, Communities, Churches and Synagogues, the Society encourages dialogue and interactive
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, April 19, 2012
2. First Permanent Jewish House of Worship in Iowa Marker
Additional keywords. Jewish American
Photographed by Jerry Klinger, circa 2006
3. B'nai Israel Congregation Marker
Site of the first permanent Jewish house of worship in Iowa.
Photographed by Jerry Klinger, circa 2006
4. B'nai Israel Congregation Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2010, by Jerry Klinger of Derwood, Maryland. This page has been viewed 3,193 times since then and 87 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 16, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 3, 4. submitted on February 1, 2010, by Jerry Klinger of Derwood, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
