Council Bluffs Iowa Walking Tour

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St. Peter's Catholic Church is home to a congregation established by German immigrants in 1887. Situated on a bluff overlooking the city, it was built in 1888 and is a good example of Gothic Revival architecture. It features a tall 100-food bell tower topped by a spire, buttresses, pilasters, lancet windows, and decorative brickwork. St. Peter's was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

2. Bennett Building

The Bennett Building, which was built in 1924, is primarily significant for its ties to local women's history. Three women doctors—Charlotte McCuskey, Bernice DeConly and Harriet S. Hamilton—operated private practices in the building in the 1920s. During a time when society largely disapproved of women doctors, McCuskey, Hamilton, and DeConly represent the strides women made in the medical field in the early 1900s. The building is also significant as the work of two local architecture firms, which designed it in the Commercial style. Now an apartment building, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

3. Chieftain Hotel

Now a residence for senior citizens and people with disabilities, the former Chieftain Hotel was built in 1927 and remains an important landmark in Council Bluffs. It represents the city's prosperity in the 1920s and the boosterism that supported local economic development in the early 19th century. The building is also significant for its design, which combines Classical Revival and Italianate architecture. Interesting elements include pilasters topped with capitals, and two large arched openings with Palladian windows and cast concrete panels featuring decorative urns, garlands, medallions, and torches. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.

4. Union Pacific Railroad Museum

Housed in the former Council Bluffs Library building, this museum promotes the history and impact of the Union Pacific Railroad (UP), which was one of the three railroad companies that built the first Transcontinental Railroad (the other two were the Central Pacific and the Western Pacific Railroads). The UP is still in operation and is the second largest railroad company in the country. The museum offers three permanent exhibits: America Travels By Rail, The Lincoln Collection, and Building America. Building America tells the story of the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. The Lincoln Collection honors President Abraham Lincoln, who signed the Pacific Railway Act in 1862 which authorized the construction of the transcontinental railroad. America Travels By Rail highlights the UP's passenger rail service from the 1930s to 1971. The museum hosts traveling exhibits as well.

5. Squirrel Cage Jail Museum (Pottawattamie County Jail)

Known today as the Squirrel Cage Jail Museum, this former county jail is one of the most unique attractions in Iowa. In the 1880s, eighteen jails with rotating cages containing pie-shaped holding cells were erected around the country, including six in Iowa. The cages were made entirely of steel, had only one door, and were rotated by a hand crank. The Squirrel Cage Jail, which is the largest of the eighteen that were built, is the only one with a three-level cage. The jail's nickname was apparently inspired by its resemblance to an animal cage and the city's Black squirrels. The purpose of the jails was to increase security and cut operating expenses by employing just one jailer who could control each cell individually. However, the design was plagued with problems, including malfunctions that could make them dangerous to prisoners. Only a few of the rotating jails are still in existence, and this one is a museum operated by the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County. The building is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

6. Reverend Little's Young Ladies Seminary

This attractive building was home to a short-lived women's school called Reverend Little's Young Ladies Seminary. It was founded by Presbyterian minister George Little in 1867 and operated until 1870. Designed in the Italianate style, the former school features a wraparound porch with decorative columns and spindle work, brick corner quoins, a cornice with carved wooden brackets, and cast iron window sills. The building now houses law offices. It was added to the National Register in 1982.

7. Grenville M. Dodge House

Perhaps one of Council Bluffs' most famous residents, General Grenville M. Dodge has been called "the greatest railroad builder of all time." A Civil War officer, Dodge's involvement in political, financial and military affairs made him an associate of many of the most influential Americans of his time and counsel to presidents, including Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. The Grenville M. Dodge House was his home. It is now open to the public as a museum.

This Tour is a Walking Tour.

Council Bluffs Iowa Walking Tour

Created by Clio Admin on February 10th 2022, 5:45:13 pm.

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Description

This short walk through the heart of Council Bluffs begins at a historic church established by German immigrants and moves on to several important downtown buildings such as the former Chieftain Hotel. Highlights of the tour include the Union Pacific Railroad Museum and the former county jail known for its unique system of rotating cells that led to the nickname "Squirrel Cage." While this walking tour focusses on the center of the town, be sure to also explore some of the landmarks along the river that are in Clio, including the Western Trails Center.

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Council Bluffs Iowa Walking Tour

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