Bonaparte — Population: 458
Bonaparte, Iowa, is a small town of 465 residents doing huge things. In 1986, concerned
about the overall decline of their town, local businesses and residents pooled over
$100,000 to save Bonaparte. In 1989, the town's Historic Riverfront District, located
along the Des Moines River, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
One year later, Bonaparte became one of the first five Rural Main Street communities
in Iowa. Thus, the rebirth of Bonaparte began, and, little by little, more and more
people began to recognize Bonaparte's name and associate that name with development
and pride.
Since 1990, over $1.4 million has been invested by private entities to rehabilitate
and purchase downtown properties, which have been filled with new businesses, and
over 30,000 volunteer hours have been contributed for the betterment of downtown
Bonaparte. As a result, this southwest Iowa community was one of five communities
in the nation that received a 1996 Great American Main Street Award from the National
Main Street Center. Visit Bonaparte, one of America's best and most ambitious communities!
Bonaparte Main Street
Box 51
Bonaparte, Iowa 52620
phone: 319/592-3400
fax: 319/592-3403
www.bonaparte-iowa.com/index.htm
Town History
Bonaparte, originally named Meek Mills, Wisconsin Territory, was founded in 1837
on the banks of the Des Moines River. The river was integral to the development
of Bonaparte in its early years. A mill complex owned by the Meek brothers drew
businesses and residents to the area and became known internationally for the quality
of wool it produced. In 1846, a massive stone masonry lock and dam was built at
Bonaparte as part of the Des Moines River Improvement Project, which was created
to make navigation up and down the river possible. Part of the locks, which now
contain a butterfly garden, can still be seen in historic Riverfront Park, with
the grist and woolen mills located just down river. After years of decline, major
floods and many devastating fires, Bonaparte is on the rebound.
Landmarks and Unique Local Features
Downtown Buildings on the National Register of Historic Places - Thirty-seven buildings
located in Bonaparte's Historic Riverfront District and the Aunty Green Hotel, which
houses the Bonaparte Public Library and Museum.
- Meek Grist Mill (1878) - This three-story brick building bordering
the Des Moines River houses the Bonaparte Retreat Restaurant.
- Meek Woolen Mill (1863) - This two-story brick building, overlooking
the Des Moines River, is now occupied by Bonaparte Mill Antiques & Collectibles.
- Meek Pants Factory (1892) - Fairfield Line Glove Factory occupies
this 3-1/2-story brick building facing Riverfront Park.
- Historic Riverfront Park - Historic lock walls now house a butterfly
garden and offer a beautiful view of the river.
- Des Moines River - Scenic river that offers plentiful fishing,
peaceful canoeing expeditions, and occasional sand and rock bars for exploring and
lunch breaks. Provides glimpses of bald eagles, tree-covered cliffs and grass-covered
pastures.
Annual Events
- May - Bonaparte Historic Candlelight Cemetery Tour - Bonaparte
history told by costumed characters at approximately 15 sites.
- July - Garden Tour - Gather ideas and admire carefully tended garden
spaces.
- September - A Taste of Bonaparte - Progressive lunch and home tour
that is a local favorite.
- October - Scenic Drive Stamp Show - Impressive stamp collections
go on display in Bonaparte's historic Opera House.
- December - Taste of Christmas, Cookie Walk, Soup Supper and Tour of Homes
- These holiday events are so good that Santa may just show up.
Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property
For more information about available downtown commercial property, contact Bonaparte
City Hall at 319/592-3400.
For more information about grant programs, tax abatements and historic income tax
credits available for downtown Bonaparte commercial properties, contact Bonaparte
Main Street at 319/592-3400.
Local Links
Bonaparte
Villages of Van Buren