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
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