Founded in 1862, Belle Plaine possesses a rich and dramatic history filled with people and events of local, state, national, and international significance. Highlights from that history are captured in this 19' by 29' sculpted brick mural. . . . — — Map (db m251109) HM
John M. Fishel June 30, 1943 Lyle T. Rozell Aug. 29, 1943 Richard L. Lint Nov. 1, 1943 Homer D. Woodson Jan. 26, 1944 Louie E. Popenhagen June 1, 1944 Donald R. Peacock Dec. 24, 1944 Mark R. Reynolds Jr. Mar. 24, 1945 Alfred C. Moody . . . — — Map (db m291688) WM
Created around 1900 by Thomas Cusack and Company, Chicago Repainted by Don Wilson of Shellsburg, 1993 Restored by Ed Callan of Shellsburg, 2024, with funding provided by Shellsburg residents, businesses and friends, organized by Shellsburg Area . . . — — Map (db m291697) HM
Built in 1915 by the Iowa Highway Commission. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. Retired to pedestrian duty in 2023. To see a video on the history of the bridge and to learn more, scan the code at left or visit . . . — — Map (db m291687) HM
Lt. Col. Calvin P. Titus United States Army Calvin Pearl Titus, son of Calvin and Cora Elsadine (Smith) Titus of Vinton, Iowa, moved to Oklahoma with his dad after his mother had died; later living with his Aunt Florence and Uncle . . . — — Map (db m291700) HM
In the beginning… The plan was to create a resort drawing people to Vinton. In the early days, it was thought that there were 3 Indian Mounds in the area of the town, and because of that, he named the resort, "Park Minne Estema". . . . — — Map (db m239626) HM
8,500 B.C. Mound Builders The varying cultures collectively called Mound Builders were inhabitants of North America who, during a 5,000-year period, constructed various styles of earthen mounds for religious and ceremonial, burial, . . . — — Map (db m239651) HM
Points of Interest If you are planning any exploration, please be respectful of private property. 1. BURMEISTER’S ISLAND: Located at Benton/Black Hawk County line, this privately owned island is a haven for numerous wildlife and . . . — — Map (db m239656) HM
When ground was broken in November of 1879 for the S.H. Watson Canning Company, it was the beginning of Vinton's identity as the "Corn Canning Capital of the World". Eventually, the Vinton canning industry grew to be the largest in the Midwest. It . . . — — Map (db m176268) HM
Prior to bridges, anyone living north of Vinton had to cross the Red Cedar by boat to “come to town.” A ferry was established June, 1852 to help with cargo. The county judge established the rates for passage: Foot passenger 5¢; man, horse & vehicle . . . — — Map (db m239636) HM
Samuel H. Watson, pioneer Vinton banker built the opera house in 1870 at a cost of 20,000 to $25,000. It seated 800 persons and featured live performances in drama, music, and comedy. It was the center of entertainment for the Vinton community. . . . — — Map (db m239697) HM
The Lincoln Highway
The Lincoln Highway became the first transcontinental highway in the nation. It opened the way for motorists to explore the country from the coastline of New York City all the way to the shoreline of San Francisco. . . . — — Map (db m251136) HM
