John A. Green Estate

John A. Green Estate is a property featuring structures built from Anamosa Limestone quarried from local sites. The grounds include multiple buildings, among them a large stone barn that once served as a stable, alongside a residence and additional outbuildings.

The property belonged to John A. Green, who founded the Champion quarries in 1868 and established a major extractive industry in the region. Limestone operations shaped the area's economic development for decades to come.

During summer months in 1932 and 1933, the estate became the Stone City Art Colony where artists like Grant Wood gathered to work and create. The location drew painters and sculptors who exchanged ideas and produced new works in the rural setting.

The grounds contain several preserved structures that can be explored on foot and offer insight into traditional stone building techniques. The location works well for a day visit, particularly for those interested in architecture and industrial heritage.

The property features a stone water tower that originally supplied the residence and quarry operations, later repurposed as living quarters for an art instructor. This conversion demonstrates how the site's architecture adapted to serve new purposes during the art colony period.

Location: Iowa

Made from material: limestone

GPS coordinates: 42.11111,-91.35139

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:40