Clinton Iowa Historic Downtown Walking Tour

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Erected in 1904, the Clinton Public Library was one of many libraries built around the country using funds donated from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. It is the main branch of two libraries that serve the Clinton community. Designed by Chicago architecture firm Patton & Miller in the Beaux-Arts style, the library features a limestone exterior, a large portico with Doric columns, concave side walls of the front pavilion, and decorative stonework particularly above the main entrance. The library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1893.

2. George M. Curtis House

Lumber baron George M. Curtis built this beautiful historic home in 1882 and it remains one of Clinton's most striking landmarks. Since 1925, it has been occupied by the Clinton Women's Club, which was established in 1912. The house is 2.5 stories tall and is a good example of Late Victorian architecture. It features a brick exterior covering a wood-frame structure, five porches including a wrap-around veranda, a covered drive-through shelter, segmental arched windows, projecting bays, and gable ends with scalloped shingles and diagonal and checkerboard stickwork. Visitors can take tours of the house by appointment.

3. Van Allen Building

The Van Allen Building, also known as the Van Allen and Company Department Store, is a four-story building in the heart of downtown Clinton, IA. It was designed by Louis Sullivan and commissioned by John Delbert Van Allen. It was a department store from 1912 until 1914. Listed as one of only 23 national historic landmarks in the state by the National Register of Historic Places, Van Allen Apartments features 19 family units — one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.

4. Howes Building

Located in the heart of downtown Clinton, the Howes Building was built in 1900 and has remained the cornerstone of the city's commercial district. Over the years many offices, department stores, and other businesses that contributed to Clinton's growth occupied the building. It is named after local businessman Edward M. Howes, who commissioned its construction and served as mayor for two years. Designed by Josiah Rice, the Howes Building is an excellent example of Classical Revival architecture. It features arched windows, pilasters (columns) with Ionic capitals, and decorative terra cotta detailing. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

5. Clinton County Historical Society Museum

Founded in 1965, the Clinton County Historical Society Museum preserves and promotes local history through its exhibits, special events, and research library. The museum's collection includes photographs and a variety of historical documents and artifacts. The research library contains a wide range of documents including naturalization records, birth and death certificates, yearbooks, and oral histories.

This Tour is a Walking Tour.

Clinton Iowa Historic Downtown Walking Tour

Created by Clio Admin on October 21st 2021, 3:25:43 pm.

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Description

This short walk through the heart of Clinton begins at the public library which was constructed in 1904 with matching grant funds from Andrew Carnegie. The tour proceeds to the historic home of lumber baron George M. Curtis and then winds its way to several historic downtown buildings before concluding at the Clinton County Historical Society Museum where residents and visitors can learn even more about this unique Iowa community on the Mississippi River.

Entries on This Tour

Clinton Iowa Historic Downtown Walking Tour

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