Interpreting History Along the Des Moines River Water Trail, Eldon to Farmington 

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You're invited to our next Water Trail Special Event.  Join us for a discussion of the rich natural and cultural history of the Des Moines River corridor from Eldon to Farmington.  Our presenters will be University of Iowa archaeologists Cindy Peterson and Lynn M. Alex, and we encourage you to bring local artifacts and documents which may help in the identification of important historical resources.

Click on the link below to register. 

Register Now! ONLINE REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED, but you may still contact Detra Dettmann at Pathfinders RC&D, 641-472-6177.

EVENT DETAILS:

The public is well-aware of the American Gothic House and the villages of Van Buren County, but far less-aware of the rich and deep natural and cultural history of the Des Moines River between Eldon and Farmington.

 Each twist and turn of this largest of Iowa’s interior waterways reveals scenic views, abundant wildlife, and large and small historical dramas that played out over 12 millennia. This corridor sustained American Indians from the Ice Age through historic times.  Just prior to Iowa’s statehood, it was the site of a large Ioway tribal village, and later, the home of Sauk warrior Black Hawk. The waterway played integral roles in the emerging lock-and-dam system, steamboat travel, and the stoneware industry.

 To begin understanding the natural and cultural history of the area for interpretation and conservation, the public is invited to a gathering, hosted by Pathfinders RC&D and the Iowa DNR, at 2:00  PM, Sunday, November 11, at the lodge at Lacey Keosauqua State Park near Keosauqua. 

 Archaeologists Cindy Peterson and Lynn M. Alex, from the University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist, will highlight the corridor’s long history.  Detra Dettman of Pathfinders RC&D, and John Wenck of the Iowa DNR Water Trails Program, will be on hand to answer questions about the Des Moines River Water Trail.

 The session will help determine what local residents of the area would like to learn, and tell others, about the river, its history, and its culture, and begin to outline opportunities for interpretation and conservation.  Attendees are encouraged to bring local artifacts and other historical items, including documents, which may assist in the identification of important corridor resources.

 No fee, but preregistration is requested for this event. 

Click on the link above to register.