Mount Vernon — Population: 3628

Mount Vernon and Lisbon, Iowa, where the past, present, and future meet to bring the discerning shopper an eclectic mix of vintage treasures, fine cuisine and exceptional art. Welcome!

Tree lined streets peppered with historic homes and blooming gardens beckon you to relax, enjoy, and recall a simpler time. Mount Vernon and Lisbon are located in the technology corridor with easy access to Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and Marion.

Stop for an espresso and walk the well preserved, traditional Iowa downtown, or stroll the Cornell College campus, the only one in the country listed on the National Historic Register. Grab a bite to eat at one of our restaurants, view fine and funky art at our galleries, find the perfect gift or that extra touch for your home at our terrific stores, or just buy a book and lose yourself in it.

Too much to do in one day? We agree. Stay for the weekend at a hotel or our bed and breakfasts, some with spa amenities. Whatever you decide to do, Mount Vernon and Lisbon, Iowa welcome you to explore our 'far from ordinary' events and businesses.

MV-L Community Development and Main Street
PO Box 31
Mount Vernon, IA 52314

Town History

As a result of Chief Black Hawk's war with settlers along the Mississippi River near Rock Island and his flight into Illinois and Wisconsin, a large tract of land in Iowa was taken from his Sac and Fox tribe. This land was partial payment for damages done by Black Hawk and could be considered a forced cession of territory. The treaty at the end of the war (1832) opened up the Iowa territory for settlement. Mount Vernon is at the very western edge of the required land cession. Following the treaty of 1832 the land was surveyed by the federal government.

The earliest know settler to Mount Vernon arrived in 1837, and built a cabin near the present Nature Park. In 1838 settlers began to arrive in force as the land became officially for sale. Well before the public sale, squatters staked out claims to land for farming. Original claims for land were marked out by stepping fifteen hundred paces each way, and they were allowed squatter's rights for six months. Another six months was added if a cabin was built. The land could then be purchased from the government at $1.25 an acre. Originally know as "Hilltop", Mount Vernon later became known as Pinhook in 1847 after the wooden pins used in the stores to hang up the goods. In late 1847, the area was renamed Mount Vernon to reflect the name of Washington's home. It was not until 1869 that the town was incorporated as a city with an elected government.

The fine brick homes and the college buildings constructed before 1870 were made from local clay and sand from the Red Cedar River, baked on the site.

Even though originally constructed by workers with little skill, the city has an unusually large number of these buildings still in use. In the 1890's, a significant building boom and a series of fires resulted in the construction of most of the present business area.

In 1853, the Iowa Conference Male and Female Seminary was established - four years later to become Cornell College. Cornell is the only college in the nation to have its entire campus listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The coming of the Northwestern Railroad in 1859 gave the town access to the goods and culture of the east. In the 1920's Mount Vernon was again fortunate to be located on the national Lincoln Highway (U.S. 30), the first federal transcontinental motorway.

Landmarks and Unique Local Features

• Cornell College
• Anderson Geology Museum
• Abbe Creek School Museum
• Hillcrest Country Club
• Lisbon History Center
• Lisbon Heritage Hall Performing Arts
• Ash Park Historical District
• Palisades Dows Observatory and Learning Center
• Palisades Park Sutliff Bridge
• Mount Vernon School Playground Davis Park Elliott's Athletic Complex Lisbon City Park Nature Park

Annual Events

• May — Chalk the Walk
• May - October — Farmer's Market
• July — Antiques Extravaganza 4th of July July - Art in the Park July - Mount Vernon Heritage Days
• August — Lisbon Sauerkraut Days
• September — Lincoln Highway Arts Festival
• October — Chili Cook-Off
• December — Magical Night / Hometown Holidays

Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property

For information about economic incentives and property available in the Mount Vernon area, please E-mail info@visitmvl.com or contact the Main Street Director at 319.210.9935.

Local Links

Community Development and Main Street Web site [www.visitmvl.com]
Mount Vernon City Government [www.cityofmtvernon-ia.gov]
Lisbon City Government [www.cityoflisbon-ia.gov]