Hotel Manning, historic hotel in Keosauqua, Iowa, US
Hotel Manning is a National Register listed hotel beside the Des Moines River in Keosauqua, Iowa, built in the late 1890s. The building features tall ceilings, original pine woodwork, and Steamboat Gothic architecture with narrow windows that evoke 19th-century riverboats.
The building was constructed in 1898 by Edwin Manning, whose family had established a store along the river in 1839. After fires destroyed earlier structures in the 1890s, Manning rebuilt using salvaged walls and foundations, opening the hotel in 1899 with a celebration attended by more than 300 people.
The hotel is named after Edwin Manning, its founder who helped establish the town in its early years. The Steamboat Gothic style reflects the river's importance to the community and the period when riverboats were central to local life and commerce.
The hotel sits in the quiet historic downtown of Keosauqua within walking distance of other period buildings and the riverbank. The location works well for exploring the town at a leisurely pace, with easy access to hiking and river activities nearby.
The hotel survived a devastating flood in 1901 when the Des Moines River rose over 7 feet (2.1 m) inside the building. Despite this destruction, it was restored and continues operating today, demonstrating the durability of its original construction.
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