Built in 1917, the Hotel Ottumwa was the center of much of the city's social, civic, and business activities for several decades. As such, it played a significant role in Ottumwa's development in the 20th century. It is also a fine, albeit conservative, example of Classical Revival architecture. The most notable feature is the terra cotta main entrance, which includes pilasters with decorative foliated patterns, a cornice topped with urns, and an ornate marquee above the doors. Other highlights include the second floor windows with semi-circular panels and the iron cornice at the top of the building. The hotel, which operates today, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012.
This public building was completed in 1912 as a post office, and since 1966, the Renaissance Revival style structure has served as the home of Ottumwa's City Hall. The three-story building features an ashlar limestone exterior, arched windows on the first floor, and triangular windows with pediments on the second floor. Decorative elements include a beltcourse with oval links, a cartouche above the entrance on Third Street, and circular stone panels. The main entrance was originally off of Third Street but is now on the Fourth Street side where a plaza leads to the building entrance.
The Wapello County Courthouse has served as the seat of county government since it was built in 1894. A good example of Romanesque architecture, it was built of rough-cut sandstone and features a large arch with granite columns above the main entrance, a triple window above that with an arched window in the center and four columns, turrets, and tall arched windows. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
A fine example of the Classical Revival style, the Ottumwa Public Library was built in 1902 and has operated continuously ever since. It features a smooth-stone exterior, a projecting portico with large Ionic columns, a central dome, and quoins on the wall corners. Inside, the building features a rotunda with polished Doric columns and a dome that still retains its stained glass skylight. The rotunda also features four frescoes of allegorical figures painted by German-born artist Johannes Scheiwe in 1909. The library is also notable for its association with philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who provided the funds for its construction. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Now used as an Amtrak station, the historic Ottumwa Station was built in 1951 by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad (CB&Q). It is a good example of post-war Modern Movement architecture and represents the impact the CB&Q had on the city's development. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
Ottumwa's B'nai Jacob Synagogue was built in 1915 to support a congregation that had been established seventeen years earlier. Demonstrating change over time, the building is no longer used for religious purposes but remains an important landmark in Ottumwa and center of meaning for local residents through culture and the arts. The building is now home to the Temple of Creative Arts and the home of the American Gothic Performing Arts Festival. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
This Tour is a Walking Tour.
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This short walk starts at Hotel Ottumwa and moves through the heart of the community with stops at City Hall and Wapello County Courthouse before moving on to the public library and Ottumwa Station. If you are new to the area, be sure to visit the American Gothic House which is a short drive from Ottumwa.
