Beacon, once known as the town of Enterprise, did not fully switch its name over until 1874. Beacon's success revolved around its coal mining connection and proximity to the railroad lines. Before Oskaloosa established a railroad line through its…
This is an early 1900's photograph taken of a steam-operated derrick operating in the outskirts of Oskaloosa, Iowa. Derricks were used to help pick up derailed box cars on the sides of the railroad.
This statue of Chief Mahaska was dedicated to the people of Oskaloosa on May 12, 1909, and is located on the west side of the Oskaloosa's town square. The statue was designed by Shirley Fry of Creston, IA after being approached by James D. Edmundson…
Spring Creek Township is located in the central part of Mahaska County and is situated directly east of Oskaloosa and Lincoln Township, the Mahaska County seat. Two communities still thrive within this township; University Park and Keomah Village. …
Pictured here is the southside of the Oskaloosa town square as it appeared around 1900. The southside of the square is bordered by 1st Avenue East, which runs perpendicular with South Market Street. As Oskaloosa entered the 20th Century, its roads…
Pictured here is the construction of the livestock pavilion at the Southern Iowa Fair in Oskaloosa, Iowa in 1917. The livestock pavilion was designed and built by building contractor P.W. Sparks. The pavilion was eventually finished by 1919. The…
The southeast side of Oskaloosa's town square as it appeared in 1942. The building structures are still in tact today, despite having new ownership and extra features on the outside of the buildings.
The southeast side of Oskaloosa's town square as it appeared in 1868. At this point, the town post office existed on the square itself. Today, the post office is located on South Market Street.
Pictured here is a scene from downtown Oskaloosa, Iowa on South Market Street looking north around the year 1905. At the time of this picture, most of the road had been paved and had brick laid to serve as the road, but the horse and buggy are still…
The south half of the east side of Oskaloosa's town square as it appeared in 1942. The most notable change between this picture and the one from 1868 is that regarding the hotel name. In 1856, Major F.L. Downing owned the establishment since 1856…
