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News
Historic
Mill, Depot and Ag Center Open Today for Tours
Posted 4 July 2008
Several spots of historic interest will be open for tours today,
Friday, July 4, in Independence.
Wapsipinicon Mill
Independence's historic icon, the Wapsipinicon Mill, will be open this afternoon for tours
from noon until 4 p.m.
Celebrating its 150th anniversary, the Wapsipinicon Feed Mill and dam
became operational in 1854. The five story structure is 122 feet long
by 62 feet wide and was used at first as a flouring mill. As wheat
production slowed down, it became more economical to produce “Wapsi”
brand poultry and stock feed.
Today the Mill is the foremost cornerstone of the Independence
community. It still resides in its original location but has since
received several cosmetic reconstructions. Surrounded by several
eateries and just over the bridge from our historic downtown, the
Wapsipinicon Mill serves as a substantial tourist attraction and is
listed on the National Registry of Historical Places. Wapsipinicon
Mill. The facility is owned by the Buchanan County Historical Society
and is open mid-May thru mid-Sept. The mill is closed Mondays. The
facility is handicapped accessible.
Train Depot
The Illinois Central Railroad Depo will also be open for public tours
from 12 until 4 p.m. Friday afternoon.
On December 12, 1859, the first steam engine came “chugging” into
Independence. It was a great day for early settlers and farmers in
Buchanan County when the first shipment of wheat and pork left
Independence for the eastern markets.
In 1892, the Illinois Central station began to serve a dual role as
both a freight and passenger service. With this in mind, the railroad
line built a new passenger depot in 1891 that was a necessity to help
take care of the crowds convening for the races at the kite shaped race
track.
Today, the Illinois Central Depot has been restored and relocated along
Highway 150 in Independence and serves as the home for Buchanan County
Tourism. To accompany the relocation, Illinois Central railways donated
a locomotive, cargo car and caboose that are on display next to the
train depot.
Heartland Acres
Enjoy a walk into Iowa's agricultural past with a visit to Heartland
Acres in Independence. The
agribition center will be open Friday noon until 5 p.m.
Heartland Acres Agribition Center is an exhibition of agriculture's
past, present, and future in the National Heritage Area of Northeast
Iowa. Located in Independence, sitting on over 80 acres,
Heartland Acres is a premiere location to teach visitors the importance
of agriculture and the overall impact it has on everyone.
Heartland Acres is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.,
and Sundays noon until 5 p.m. Admissions is $5 for adults and youth
ages 5-17 are $4. Children ages 4 and under enter for free.
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