Although the Civil War battles were fought hundreds of miles from Iowa's borders, Iowans were enthusiastic supporters of Abraham Lincoln's policies that led to the conflict. In addition to thousands of men who were enlistees, the state was home to several major figures, including General Samuel Miller, a Keokuk lawyer who led Northern troops to a key victory at Pea Ridge. The Civil War is recalled in late April with battle reenactments that include more than 1,000 soldiers and 25,000 spectators. Fitting since Keokuk, the northernmost point for reliable river travel south, was where young soldiers were mustered and then boarded steamships to head to the battlefields of the south.
Eagle Appreciation Days are held on the third weekend of January, when the waters around
Keokuk National Cemetery, 1701 J. Street, is one of 12 original national cemeteries designated by the U.S. Congress. During the Civil War, the presence of the College
of Physicians and Surgeons caused the federal governmen
The Keokuk River Museum, 101 Mississippi Drive, is home to the George M. Verity, a steamboat built in Dubuque in 1927. The boat, retired in 1960 after a long career pushing barges up and down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, now serves as a classroom of sorts on steamboating and a repository of fascinating photographs and histories of many of the boats that plied the waterways. The observation deck of the old bridge at Gateway Park provides a wonderful view of the river, Lock & Dam 19, the George M. Verity and victory park. Call 319/524-5599 for details.
to locate a military hospital in Estes House (formerly at 500 Main Street), and four other sites in Keokuk. The sick and wounded were transported to the hospitals in Keokuk by riverboats on the Mississippi River. Many soldiers, from the North and South, died at the hospitals in Keokuk during the Civil War, and were buried in what became Iowa’s only National Cemetery. The cemetery is currently the final resting place for the remains of over 4,000 American soldiers. The cemetery is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk.Call 319-524-1304.
Keokuk residents are justifiably proud of the beautiful, century-old homes that dominate the older neighborhoods. Particularly noteworthy are the stoic structures
along Grand Avenue, near a bluff that overlooks the river. Walking
tours have been designed by the Keokuk Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to provide tourists with some direction and information while peeping at the gorgeous architecture. Be sure to stop at the St. John's Episcopal Church to see the beautiful Tiffany Stained Glass Windows. Call 319/524-5599 for information or a free brochure.
observation areas, spotting scopes, and wildlife officials who will answer questions. Indoors, at the Keosippi Mall, just two blocks from the riverfront, are seminars, lectures, films and special events, all free. More information.
make for ideal fishing for the birds. Outdoor activities include
