Day 11 "Blogging from A-Z Challenge"!
is for Keokuk, Iowa
Keokuk, population under 12,000, is a small town located on the banks of the Mississippi River. It is the southeasternmost tip of Iowa.
We came to discover this town because our friend, Kathy, lives here. We used Keokuk as a stopping point a few times on our travels out West.
The town was named after Chief Keokuk, who was a member of the Sauk tribe and was noted for his policy of cooperation with the U.S. Government in the Black Hawk War of 1832. Popular among his tribe, he used diplomacy to become a leading counselor in the Sauk Assembly. (cited).
Here is a photo of the monument dedicated to Chief Keokuk that is situated in Rand Park. His body is believed to be buried there.
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| photo credit: internet |
Visit here for more information on Keokuk geodes.
Another fun thing to do in Keokuk is to watch the steamboats pass through the lock. There is a beautiful observation deck to watch the boats as they approach.
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| photo credit: Keokuk tourism website |
Here comes one now! It's the Mississippi Queen!
Sometimes the ships play calliope music and it can be heard for blocks. Every once in awhile, the people on the boat throw candy to the observers on the deck.
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| I see this boat is being steered by two naked women. Wait...are they mermaids? Grrreeat!! |
Keokuk is also home to a National Cemetery.
Another little town with many things to offer.
10 comments:
Oh, I'd love to take my 13 yr old grandson there! he would love it!
nice...would be so cool to ride the queen you know...that would be a blast....and geodes are def cool too....neat place...dont think i had heard of it...
I've been to Keokuk, and my husband has ancestors buried there. One of these days we'll get down there and find the gravestones if we can. That will be an interesting trip.
You find the most interesting things! I did not know about the boat platform.
In the past I longed to see the Mississippi River. Now I have crossed it in about 8 places, Keokuk being one of them. I love the thrill of it. On to Niagara Falls! One of these years.
I am always amazed by the midwest's small towns and all they seem to accomplish. I often think it would be fun to take up residence in one for a year or so and write a book about one's experience.
I've heard of that boat
Pat, you know I've been waaaay down and sick. I am very gradually coming back. It's the sickest I've ever been.
But I have been reading your series and enjoying it a lot. I particularly liked your J is for Jim and all the photos he sat still for. :)
Pat, I am loving all of your A-Z posts! Your photography is amazing. Thank you for sharing!
I wanna go!!!! You traveled for 7 years? My fiance' and I dream of RVing around the USA someday. That would be awesome.
You have been to some great places. I love the locks. My grandparents used to take us to the one near their house but there was no observation deck - - - just the sidewalk beside all that water - - - kind of scary for a kid.
Rocks and water...a great attraction for me.
Wonder if they will be renaming this park like they are many in the South? We have a few that are politically incorrect according to certain groups. Get over it, people! It's history...celebrate it.
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