Monroe County, County in south central Iowa, United States.
Description
Monroe County is a county in south central Iowa comprising four main towns: Albia, Eddyville, Lovilia, and Melrose. The region is connected by state and federal highways that link residents and neighboring areas.
History
Originally named Kishkekosh County after a Meskwaki leader, the area was renamed Monroe County in 1843 to honor the fifth US President. Coal mining became the dominant industry starting in the late 1800s, drawing workers and shaping settlement patterns for decades.
Culture
Coal mining shaped settlement patterns and community life for generations, influencing which towns grew and how people organized themselves. The remaining towns still reflect traces of this industrial heritage in their layout and local character.
Practical
The county is accessible via U.S. Highway 34, Iowa Highway 5, and Iowa Highway 137, which connect all four main towns. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant conditions for driving through the region, with mild temperatures and clear roads.
Did you know?
The former mining town of Buxton stood out in the early 1900s for having a predominantly Black population, an unusual pattern for the region. This demographic composition gave the town its own distinct character and community identity.
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Red Haw State Park
34.3 km
Appanoose County Courthouse
32.8 km
Edmundson Park Historic District
33.6 km
Second Baptist Church
33.2 km
Phillip Hoffman House
35 km
Monroe County Courthouse
5.3 km
Oskaloosa Public Library
35 km
Eveland Bridge
25.7 km
Noble-Kendall House
5.4 km
Bellefountain Bridge
28.2 km
T.B. Perry House
4.9 km
Albia Square and Central Commercial Historic District
5.3 km
Hammond Covered Bridge
20.5 km
Oskaloosa City Hall
35.1 km
Lincoln School
35 km
Courthouse Square Historic District
32.7 km
Appanoose County Sheriff's House and Jail
32.4 km
Drake Public Library
33 km
Porter Hall
33.4 km
United States Post Office
33 km
Harvey Railroad Bridge
32.3 km
Dr. George A. Jenkins House
4.9 km
Arvine and Elizabeth W. White House
5.3 km
Williamson School
33.4 km
John H. Shoemake House
35 km
Stratton House
32.6 km
Sturdivant-Sawyer House
33.4 km
Stock Judging Pavilion
35.1 km
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