In the early days, the Mississippi River provided a means for settlers to reach the area, but it became much more than just a way to come and go. The river became a key resource for the commercial enterprises that fueled Muscatine’s early growth. Gristmills, which ground grain by utilizing the power generated by streams that fed the mighty Mississippi, marked the beginning of business development in Muscatine in the 1830s.
Soon after, enterprising settlers realized the transportation potential of the river and discovered an abundant supply of quality timber in the area, which made Muscatine a natural lumber processing center. Lumbering, saw and planning mills, sash and door factories and other forms of wood working became a major industry in the town, which was originally incorporated under the name of Bloomington in 1839. The city was named after the hometown of its first city planner, Colonel Vanater and boasted a population of 71 by this time.
But, mail delivery difficulties – too many Bloomington’s – forced the town to rename itself Muscatine in 1850. Historians differ on the origin of the name. Some say it was taken from the Mascoutin Indians who lived in the area while others claim it came from the Indian name for what is now known as the Muscatine Island. Either way, Muscatine is one of a kind – the only city in the world with this name!
The 1850s also marked the coming of the railroads, which prompted rapid settlement and business development in the state of Iowa from 1854 to 1875. The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad was the first railroad to be built in Iowa and in November of 1855, the first passenger train operating in the state of Iowa began service between Davenport and Muscatine.
With the arrival of John Fred Boepple, a German immigrant who came to Muscatine in 1887, the pearl button industry took over the lumbering industry and soon began employing over 50% of the local workforce. By mistake Boepple found that fresh water mussel shells, instead of animal horns, made as strong and beautiful a button as those made from imported and expensive marine shells.
By 1905, the annual output of fresh water pearl buttons had reached 11,405,723 gross or 1.5 billion, worth an estimated $3,359,167 or nearly 37% of the buttons produced in the world. The discovery of plastics would soon change all of this and today only three of the factories remain. But the memory is alive and well and can be re-lived at the Pearl Button Museum, a part of the Muscatine History and Industry Center in historic downtown Muscatine.
In 1892, after a nationwide search, the H.J. Heinz Company decided to locate one of their principal canning plants in Muscatine, becoming the first expansion outside of Pittsburgh, and the largest canning plant between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains.
The fertile soils of Muscatine made the area well known for producing some of the highest quality agricultural products in the world, with the famous Muscatine Melon being perhaps the most recognized.
Muscatine, with a current day population of nearly 23,000, is also the home to the world headquarters of two Fortune 500 companies that began here as small family-owned businesses – Bandag, Inc. and HNI (formerly HON Industries). Other Fortune 500 companies have major facilities in Muscatine and a number of small and medium sized companies have become known nationally and internationally for their products.
Today, visitors and residents alike can enjoy such historic sites as the Pine Creek Grist Mill in Wild Cat Den State Park. Built in 1848 by one of the County’s first settlers, Benjamin Nye, the Mill is one of the finest examples of mid-nineteenth century mills left in the country and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is currently being restored to its original condition as a working mill. In addition, a turn of the century schoolhouse and the original Nye family graveyard are within walking distance.
Visitors can also enjoy historic downtown Muscatine and its surrounding neighborhoods. Featuring dozens of magnificent homes built as early as 1840, these neighborhoods offer a glimpse into the prosperity of Muscatine’s past. A highlight of this group is the Musser Mansion, an Edwardian style home that has been fully restored to its original splendor and is open to the public as part of the Muscatine Art Center.
Other interesting sites include: the Greenwood Cemetery where such famous people as the notorious Norman Baker are buried; the Musser Public Library which houses thousands of glass plate negatives from pioneer photographer Oscar Grossheim; and the drive along the Great River Road.
Our history, much like the history of the world, includes humorists and heroes, workers and builders, crooks and charlatans. Muscatine and surrounding towns within the county are made up of individuals from all walks of life. This diversity acts to enrich us all and serves as one of our strengths that we continue to build upon. |
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