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Famous Residents |
The Samuel Miller House and Museum located at 318 North 5th Street, was the home of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Miller. The house was built in 1859 at a cost of $13,000. In 1965 the Lee County Historical Society bought the property. Today it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a museum. The house is filled with period artifacts, Native American items, and a nineteenth century dental office. For additional information call (319) 524-5599.
The Verity was one of the first steamboats to move barges between St. Louis and St. Paul. It was donated to the City of Keokuk in 1961 and has since been transformed into a museum. Located on the Mississippi River at Victory Park, The George Verity Riverboat Museum preserves the important history of Mississippi steamboats. Call (319) 524-4765 for details.
Keokuk National Cemetery is one of the twelve original national cemeteries designated by the United States Congress as well as the first national cemetery west of the Mississippi River. During the Civil War, Keokuk had five military hospitals. Unfortunately, the mortality rate was high, thus the need for a cemetery. In all, more than 4,000 Union and Confederate soldiers have been laid to rest in Keokuk National Cemetery. The cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located at 1701 J Street. For more information call (319) 524-1304.
The largest lock on the Mississippi River, Lock & Dam 19, is located at Keokuk. The original lock and dam took three years to build and was completed in 1913. In 1957, the lock was replaced and upgraded to measure 1,200 feet by 110 feet at a cost of 13.5 million dollars. The lock is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open 24 hours a day for those who would like to view the Mississippi River and its floating traffic. Call (319) 524-6363 for additional details.
Keokuk’s Grand Theatre was designed by Merle Baker and constructed in 1924. The previous opera house had been destroyed by a fire in 1923. The theatre has been completely restored to its 1920's Art Deco appearance, complete with a balcony and chandeliers. Today, the theatre is owned by the City of Keokuk and still in use for special events. It’s located at 26 North Sixth Street. For a tour or additional information call (319) 524-5599.