Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Depot, Railroad |
Source |
Mount Ayr Depot Museum |
Iowa History Era Tag |
Prosperity to the Depression (1897-1939) |
Chronological Tag |
The Emergence of Modern America (1890-1930) |
Catalog Number |
2018.021.066 |
Credit line |
Mount Ayr Depot Museum - Mount Ayr, Iowa |
Description |
This photograph shows the Chicago Great Western Railroad depot in Knowlton, Iowa, as it appeared around 1910. Knowlton was established in Jefferson Township when the Chicago Great Western Railroad (then known as the Chicago, Kansas City, & St. Paul Railroad) built their coal chutes here on their new rail line in 1887. Knowlton voted to incorporate on December 30, 1890. Over the next few years, Knowlton competed with the town of Diagonal, located one mile away, for commerce, capital, and the railroad's support. This competition helped Knowlton start declining around 1907. The town later forfeited its incorporated status in 1926. Nothing is left of the former town today. Content can be used with the following standards: 4th grade SS 4.25 Technological Changes and SS-Econ. 9-12.24 Iowa Impact Upon Economy in a lesson on how the increasing railways led to town establishments and rise of new businesses. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions. |
Additional Research & Sources |
The town of Knowlton was originally named Indianville because it was located near an Indian settlement. The town was officially renamed when the railway was built. The town became a coaling station and the economy/ business sector boomed due to the residental growth from nearby towns. Knowlton soon had multiple stores, a post office, banks, churches, a restaurant and a barber shop. In July of 1895, a devasting fire broke out near the business houses of the town. Total damage was near $15,000. The town was able to rebuild the lost businesses and in the census of 1895, had 254 residents. |
Notes on Related Objects |
Object is related to the following library resources, which can be found by searching the catalog number in the advanced search section: Catalog #: 2018.045.056- Study of Iowa Population as Related to Industrial Conditions 2018.045.097 State Railroad Control: With a History of its Development in Iowa 2018.045.109- Iowa’s Rural Settlement: Shaped by Railroads and a System of Rural Schools 2018.045.132- Iowa Railroads: The Essays of Frank P. Donovan Jr. 2018.045.133- Iowa’s Railroads: An Album 2018.045.175- Steel Trails of the Hawkeyeland: Iowa’s Railroad Experience 2018.045.176- The Hook and Eye: A History of the Iowa Central Railway 2018.045.194- Development of the Railroad in Iowa |
Primary/Secondary Source |
Significant - Local |
County Tag |
Ringgold |
Multimedia Links |
Click here to view/hear the file. |
Search Terms |
Business & Industry Transportation Types of Business and Industries Towns Rail Railroad depots Railroad companies Ghost towns |
Legal Status |
Ownership of this resource is held by the Mount Ayr Depot Museum and has been provided here for educational purposes only, specifically for use in the Iowa Museum Association's "Teaching Iowa History" project. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission from the Rights Holder. For information on U.S. and International copyright laws, consult an attorney. |
